ABSTRACT
The author realized it would be necessary to explore and reflect on one's own identity and privilege in order to effectively provide optimal educational services to a diverse student population. The reflection of author's history and developing awareness of oppressive systems serves to keep her out of her hiding place, and the mission ahead contains all of the political, complicated, messy, and uncomfortable elements she have spent her life trying to avoid. Harding suggested obtaining cultural awareness is not enough to influence transformative change. Harding suggested advisors must be careful to avoid stereotyping and that ethnic groups have varieties of attitudes around seeking and receiving assistance. While there are some commonalities associated with low socioeconomic status among black and Hispanic populations, one cannot make assumptions. Cultural humility requires one to consider people and institutional structures in a relentless pursuit to destroy unfair advantages and develop systems of equity.
