An Exploration of Learned Values Through Lived Experiences to Design for BIPOC Students’ Flourishing

Prior research has primarily focused on the negative experiences faced by BIPOC students and sought to identify ways to counter harms. In contrast, our work seeks to characterize and support the positive, valuable, and meaningful experiences of BIPOC to support their holistic thriving at predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Experiences where students can share their stories and engage with racial identity development, are paramount to their flourishing. However, these stories and connections are not widely accessible. In this work, we gathered stories of meaningful experiences by conducting a qualitative semi-structured interview with 17 BIPOC students from diverse races and ethnic backgrounds, all studying across various PWIs. Our preliminary findings revealed that students derive meaningful experiences by engaging in activities that lead to the cultivation of learned values and personal growth. We discuss and situate our findings within a positive design framework to support BIPOC students' sustained well-being and flourishing.