One of the most common and most difficult challenges first-generation Americans face is overcoming the perceived shame of identifying with a different culture, ethnicity, or language. A first-generation American of Guinean descent, John Jay alumna Houssaynatou Barry ‘18, has overcome this challenge and her newfound confidence has now earned her a Fulbright Award to study Women’s Educational Development in Ghana.
But overcoming this shame on the road to a Fulbright wasn’t easy. As Guinean-Americans, Barry’s parents wore traditional Muslim garb and spoke heavily-accented English, two attributes that made Barry unwilling to have them involved in her academic and social life. The contrast between their distinctly African-Muslim and her traditionally American appearance made Barry embarrassed to acknowledge her Guinean heritage. The turning point came when she visited Guinea with her family in the summer during middle school. Speaking the Fulani language among the Fulani people enabled her to embrace her heritage and appreciate her culture and ethnicity. Seeing the hustle of the Guinean children as they sold their wares on the streets made her appreciate even more the value of an education and inspired her to pursue a career in immigrant advocacy.
“I came to understand that while my parents were striving for the American Dream, their children were being stigmatized as first-generation Americans. And this realization brought me to an epiphany: I want to help others deal with that same issue by telling them they are not alone.” — Houssaynatou Barry
“Before my trip to Guinea I felt as though no one shared my experiences, but when I started high school I realized that many of my peers were first generation also, which boosted my confidence. I returned as a new person, a person who was proud of where her parents came from,” said Barry. “I no longer felt embarrassed or ashamed that my parents’ English was not perfect. I came to understand that while my parents were striving for the American Dream, their children were being stigmatized as first-generation Americans. And this realization brought me to an epiphany: I want to help others deal with that same issue by telling them they are not alone.”
During her undergraduate years at John Jay, Barry held many public service internships including at the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, the NYC Comptroller’s Office, and the Department for the Aging. It was during her tenure at these city government agencies that Barry realized immigrant problems are similar to those of the injured consumers and constituents she interacted with. Barry also interned at LitWorld, a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving children’s literacy. This internship combined with her passion for immigrant issues inspired her to pursue a Fulbright Fellowship.
In preparing her Fulbright application, Barry worked closely with Professors Elton Beckett, Marsha Clowers, and Victoria Bond.
“When she told me she was applying for the Fulbright, I thought, 'This is it.' So now we have a game-changer. It isn't just about watching Barry changing -- it's about watching how Barry is going to change the world.” said Assistant Professor of Speech Marsha Clowers.
“When she told me she was applying for the Fulbright, I thought, 'This is it.' So now we have a game-changer. It isn't just about watching Barry changing -- it's about watching how Barry is going to change the world,”— Professor Marsha Clowers
“She is undoubtedly one of the most determined and focused students I have encountered since coming to John Jay. I am certain that not only will she learn a lot during her Fulbright but she will also leave an incredible legacy of goodwill,” said Professor of Speech and Theatre Arts, Elton Beckett.
“In the eight years I have been working with John Jay students on post-graduate opportunities, I have not met a student more prepared, more able to deal with challenges, and more interested in learning from setbacks than Houssaynatou,” said Victoria Bond, a lecturer in the English Department.
Barry also credits her good friend, fellow Fulbright winner, and John Jay alumna Istou Diallo ’17 for helping her believe that winning the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship was possible.
“Often times we are taught our stories do not matter, but I know that they do. My research project will shine a light on the stories I intend to tell on behalf of those that cannot speak for themselves.” — Houssaynatou Barry
Knowing firsthand how education was transforming the lives of West African families was a key factor in choosing her research topic. In September 2017, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana announced a Free High School Education (SHS) policy, making education at the secondary high school level free. As a Fulbright recipient, Barry will research and assess the impact of this free education on females aged 14-18 years old, living in poverty in Accra, Ghana. Specifically, she will explore if and how removing economic barriers to education for women will translate into increased social and economic mobility in the short term.
Barry’s research project will shine a light on immigrant voices. “Often times we are taught our stories do not matter, but I know that they do. My research project will shine a light on the stories I intend to tell, on behalf of those that cannot speak for themselves. Strengthening communities through the power of story is what I aspire to do as a Fulbright recipient.”
Barry graduated in 2018, magna cum laude from John Jay with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and a minor in speech. Following her Fulbright fellowship, Barry plans to enroll in The City of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center master’s program in international migration studies.
