This year, six Klein College seniors will graduated with a major of distinction in the Communication Studies Program. The program allows students to build an interdisciplinary course of study across departments within the college, and is particularly rigorous including an undergraduate thesis. 

On May 7, Maya Minhas, KLN ‘18, defended her thesis as part of the program. Minhas, who graduated summa cum laude, majored in communication studies with a concentration in international communication and a minor in Spanish. 

Minhas’ thesis, “Americanism,” considers American cultural identity through the eyes of immigrants and people of color.  Her experience as a migrant who moved between the United Kingdom and the United States throughout her childhood has kept the idea of cultural identity at the front of her mind. “Since last moving here in 2009, my relationship with America as both a country and a home has evolved tremendously,” said Minhas. 

Her initial expectations, she says, were idealistic. As a child, she saw Americans’ love for their country represented in media and from what she saw during her various moves, and as a result she believed fully in the promise of the American dream. She describes her impressions of America as “cinematic,” believing that her life here would be like those she saw in movies. 

However, after her final move to the United States in 2009, her impressions began to change. Her observations of the the changes in her own ideas, as well as the political and social tumult in the country inspired her thesis work. 

Minhas arrived in the United States just a few days before the inauguration of President Barack Obama. The social backlash to his presidency, culminating in the election of President Trump was a real-time education in the complex issues underlying identity in the country. 

“Growing up here during such formative years in my transition and education led me to constantly re-evaluate and critique my initial perspective,” said Minhas. “I’ve become increasingly conscious of the weight of America’s history and how it continues to drastically impact different identities.”

Minhas’ curiosity was fostered by her professors, who encouraged her to dig into the subject in order to create her thesis. 

“I was incredibly fortunate to have worked with Dr. Scott Gratson from my first month at Temple up until the completion of my thesis,” said Minhas. “[It] could not have happened without his continuous support and facilitation. 

“Her work is already getting attention as this topic really resonates,” said Gratson of her thesis. “It's very timely.” 

Minhas is proud of her accomplishments, but ready for a rest. “I just finished my busiest semester, with six courses and four jobs,” said Minhas, “so I will be taking some time off to travel and continue pursuing some creative projects for now.”

Her work exploring cultural identity in America, however, isn’t done. Minhas is planning on returning to the United States after her travels to begin work on additional content for “Americanism,” which she envisions as a series.