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My dad was adopted, but is half Oneida. Because he never felt like he identified with his adopted family, he always considered himself Native America. My Native American background was always very important to my dad and we went to many different "events" in my area that were specifically for people of native american heritage. When I was younger, I was always told people that I was part Native American and was very proud of this fact. As I got grew-up, however, I simply identified myself as "white." This was not due to any major change, I just simply thought I looked more white than Native American. I have very dark brown/black hair, but I have pale skin and blue eyes from my mom. I didn't want people to question what I said about my ethnicity so I just wrote white/Caucasian on everything.
Now that I've gotten older, I've began to identify with my Native American heritage a lot more. I've "rejoined" the community and attended many local events (mostly pow-wows).
So what does this mean for my AMCAS application? Would it be ok for me to identify myself as Native American? I definitely enjoy and appreciate the culture, but I'm worried that they're not going to "believe" me. First, I'm only 1/4 Native American. Plus, I don't have any sort of proof that I'm Native American. My dad never got a card identifying himself as Native American, but his adoption papers state that he is half Oneida (it was a fairly open adoption). Also, other than the dark hair, I essentially look like any other white person.
I guess I'm just nervous that my interviewer would consider me a "fraud" and discredit my application or think that I took the "easy" way out by applying as an URM.
What does everyone think?
My dad was adopted, but is half Oneida. Because he never felt like he identified with his adopted family, he always considered himself Native America. My Native American background was always very important to my dad and we went to many different "events" in my area that were specifically for people of native american heritage. When I was younger, I was always told people that I was part Native American and was very proud of this fact. As I got grew-up, however, I simply identified myself as "white." This was not due to any major change, I just simply thought I looked more white than Native American. I have very dark brown/black hair, but I have pale skin and blue eyes from my mom. I didn't want people to question what I said about my ethnicity so I just wrote white/Caucasian on everything.
Now that I've gotten older, I've began to identify with my Native American heritage a lot more. I've "rejoined" the community and attended many local events (mostly pow-wows).
So what does this mean for my AMCAS application? Would it be ok for me to identify myself as Native American? I definitely enjoy and appreciate the culture, but I'm worried that they're not going to "believe" me. First, I'm only 1/4 Native American. Plus, I don't have any sort of proof that I'm Native American. My dad never got a card identifying himself as Native American, but his adoption papers state that he is half Oneida (it was a fairly open adoption). Also, other than the dark hair, I essentially look like any other white person.
I guess I'm just nervous that my interviewer would consider me a "fraud" and discredit my application or think that I took the "easy" way out by applying as an URM.
What does everyone think?
Sounds legit to me.
I agree the tribal card is a good idea.
So what does this mean for my AMCAS application? Would it be ok for me to identify myself as Native American? I definitely enjoy and appreciate the culture, but I'm worried that they're not going to "believe" me. First, I'm only 1/4 Native American. Plus, I don't have any sort of proof that I'm Native American. My dad never got a card identifying himself as Native American, but his adoption papers state that he is half Oneida (it was a fairly open adoption). Also, other than the dark hair, I essentially look like any other white person.
I guess I'm just nervous that my interviewer would consider me a "fraud" and discredit my application or think that I took the "easy" way out by applying as an URM.
What does everyone think?