STUDENT PERSONAS
Fictional representations of real student data
JI-HO
She/her
3rd year undergraduate student studying engineering
Considers herself a plus-sized woman
Exploring movement programs at U of T for the first time
Has struggled with body image and movement her entire life
“I was interested in using the facilities at U of T, but I was hesitant because I didn’t know where to start.”
As a plus-sized woman, entering movement spaces like the gym has always been intimidating for me. I’ve had so many negative experiences growing up where I was ridiculed for my appearance and performance in movement. I felt like I was always being judged and was never able to keep up with my peers who were “fitter” than me. Even the teachers would get irritated at me and would push me to move in ways that strained my body. It made me feel like they didn’t respect my knowledge of my own body. Growing up, I felt exposed for being different when other kids were staring at me, and it was hard to shake off that feeling— even as an adult.
Despite all of this, I finally decided to try and make movement a part of my life again because I was curious about strength training and using equipment like weight machines. I was interested in using the facilities at U of T, but I was hesitant because I didn’t know where to start. Even though I was already tired after my lectures, I was determined to commit to my own promise to start exercising to improve my health. So I made my way to the Athletic Centre. When I walked into the workout space, it was an intimidating experience. The building was huge, and I had trouble finding the entrance. As I began working out, I felt like I was transported back to gym class, and everyone was giving me strange looks. I felt everyone was giving me looks and judging me based on my appearance. I was also hesitant to reach out to a trainer or staff member in case they, too, would not respect my limits and push me too far.
But the real blow came when in the middle of my workout I was told that the space was being closed for a scheduled practice session for Varsity athletes. It made me feel like I didn’t belong, or that I wasn’t good enough to use the space. I felt discouraged and wished that there had been better communication about when I could use the space to participate in movement programs. It took so much courage from me to force myself out of my comfort zone despite it already being a long day, and all of it was for nothing. I am not sure if I want to try again.
