Rocking the Boat

Resisting Quietly and Staying True to One’s “Self”

Whether adversity be a stumbling block, discipline, or blessing depends altogether on the use made of it.

— Anonymous

MARTINA HOLBRINA, a first-generation American of Mexican descent, grew up in a working-class, predominantly Caucasian community. From early on, her mother taught her the importance of deferring to the traditions of the community, speaking without an accent, and generally “fitting in.” But Martina also learned the importance of retaining and taking pride in her Chicana identity, even if she did not express this part of herself at work. To this day, as a university administrator, ...