Key Concepts
Feeling like you don't deserve your success despite evidence
A student thinks: “I got lucky, I don’t actually belong here.”
What is Imposter Syndrome?
A friend says they don’t belong in a class—what’s one helpful response?
Reassure + point to evidence
This UCLA service offers free mental health counseling to students
What is CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services)?
This media mogul became the first Black woman billionaire in the U.S., breaking major barriers in television and business.
Who is Oprah Winfrey?
This type of statement subtly suggests someone doesn't belong, like "Where are you really from?"
What is a Microaggression?
A professor unintentionally calls on the same type of students more often
What is Implicit Bias?
Someone in your group keeps getting talked over
Redirect attention / include them
This UCLA center focuses on student well-being and resilience programming
What is the RISE Center?
This tennis legend has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and has spoken out about racial and gender bias in sports.
Who is Serena Williams?
Advantages people have based on identity (Race, Gender, Etc.)
What is Privilege?
A student stops participating because they fear confirming a stereotype
What is Stereotype Threat?
You catch yourself making a snap judgment about someone
Pause, reflect, question it
This is one reason students might avoid using mental health counseling even if they need support
What is stigma or fear of judgement?
This Korean film became the first non-English-language movie to win Best Picture at the Oscars, challenging long-standing industry bias.
What is Parasite?
When studies show homes in historically redlined neighborhoods are still undervalued today—even when controlling for other factors—this reflects the long-term impact of this.
What is Structural (Systematic) Inequality?
A student succeeds partly because they had access to tutors, networks, and support others didn’t
What is Privilege and Opportunity?
You’re leading a group and notice only a few voices dominate—what’s a better strategy?
Structured participation (round-robin, calling in others)
At University of California, Los Angeles, disparities in who can afford off-campus housing in Westwood, take unpaid internships, or rely on family financial support reflect differences in accumulated family wealth shaped by historical policies like redlining. This disparity is best described by this term.
What is the Racial Wealth Gap?
This actress became the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2023 for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once, marking a major milestone for representation in Hollywood.
Who is Michelle Yeoh?
When awareness of a stereotype affects someone's performance or behavior
What is Stereotype Threat?
A coworker expresses surprise by saying, “Wow, you’re so articulate!” to someone in a way that implies they did not expect them to be well-spoken based on their identity. This is best categorized as this specific type of microaggression.
What is a Microinsult?
A peer dismisses bias as “not a big deal”—how do you respond constructively?
Acknowledge perspective + explain impact using examples
This UCLA Alumni and well-known basketball player donated $500,000 to to the UCLA psychology department to support research into anxiety and depression
Who is Kevin Love?
This actor became the first Deaf male to win an Academy Award for acting for his role in CODA, highlighting increased representation for disabled performers.
Who is Troy Kotsur?