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‘It's definitely an interesting opportunity being a minority student’: Finding belonging at a PWI

<p>Ian Fisher is president of the Multicultural Business Association (MBA), a member of the International Student Advisory Council (ISAC), a tutor and a full-time student. </p><p><br/><br/><br/></p>

Ian Fisher is president of the Multicultural Business Association (MBA), a member of the International Student Advisory Council (ISAC), a tutor and a full-time student. 




Ian Fisher spends his free time watching YouTube and playing basketball. 

Well, whatever free time he has, that is. 

Fisher is a sophomore human capital management and leadership major. He’s also the president of the Multicultural Business Association (MBA), a member of the International Student Advisory Council (ISAC), a tutor and a full-time student. 

Before attending Miami University, Fisher had a connection with the campus — he had attended two pre-semester programs (Discovery in Business and Bridges) and talked with his god-sister about her experience at Miami. He had also heard of the reputation of the Farmer School of Business (FSB) and knew he wanted to study there. 

“It sort of helped my transition having known some people that were going to be there, having met some staff already that were going to be there,” Fisher said. “So all of that sort of helped ease the decision.”

One of those staff members was Michelle Thomas, director of student engagement and diversity in FSB. Though the experiences of Black men and Black women aren’t the same, he said it’s important to have someone in his corner academically, professionally and personally.

Before coming to Miami, Fisher talked with his parents about the long-term impacts of attending a predominantly white institution (PWI). They explained that he “may have a greater sense of camaraderie” with other Black students.

Having gone to public schools in Pickerington, Ohio, though, Fisher was already acclimated to being a minority student. 

“I'm generally pretty used to being one of the only Black people in my class or area, so that made it less of a culture shock being on campus at Miami.”

So far, Fisher said his experience at Miami as a minority student has been average.

“I can't take it in any specific direction, positively or negatively,” Fisher said. “I haven't perceived my identity to impact me significantly one way or another … It's definitely an interesting opportunity being a minority student.”

His leadership role in the MBA requires a lot of communication and organization. Fisher acts as the face of the group and has to be available to give his input to students when it’s needed. 

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For Fisher, being a leader is how he prefers to spend his time. 

“[I’m] trying my best to give my time, energy and effort into helping people in these orgs and trying to use our resources to help the organizations be the best they can be,” Fisher said.

Fisher also helps with the professional development committee of the ISAC, which provides resources and a support system for international students at Miami. 

Both organizations have provided Fisher a chance to meet new people. 

“It is important to meet people that not only look like you but meet people that don't look like you,” Fisher said. “And I think that my involvement in these two multicultural orgs has allowed me to do that, and it has allowed me to become closer with them and to become broader in my understanding.”

And just like Thomas was a mentor for him, Fisher hopes to pay it forward in these leadership roles. 

“Having somebody tangibly invest in you that way is really significant.”

penaml@miamioh.edu

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