The Moment I Saw Myself in Media: How Representation Changed Me

Feeling Invisible in Media

Growing up, I never quite felt like I belonged in the stories I watched or read. Most of the characters seemed like they were living in a different world from mine, where they didn’t have to think about balancing two cultures or managing the expectations that come with them.

I always felt like I was living between two worlds, never really seeing anyone who was like me—until I came across a character who finally made me feel seen.

Meeting Devi: A Character Who Was Just Like Me

Everything changed the moment I discovered Devi Vishwakumar from Never Have I Ever. From the start, Devi felt like someone I knew—or even better, someone I was. She was this smart, funny, awkward girl who was trying to make sense of her life, just like me.

She struggled with her Indian-American identity, tried to keep up with her family's traditions, and still wanted to live her own life on her terms. Devi wasn’t perfect, and that’s what made her so real to me.

For the first time, I saw a character who wasn’t just a stereotype or a sidekick. She was the main character, and her story wasn’t all about being "different"; it was about being herself, with all the ups and downs that come with that.

Realizing I Could Be Both

Watching Devi's story unfold was a game-changer for me. It was the first time I realized that I didn’t have to choose between my cultural roots and my dreams—I could embrace both. Her journey made me see that it’s okay to be a mix of different worlds, that I don’t have to fit into one box or the other to feel like I belong.

Seeing Devi go through similar struggles as me gave me a sense of comfort and understanding. It made me realize that my experiences are real, valid, and worth telling. I didn’t need to hide parts of who I am just to fit in.

The Magic of Feeling Understood

More than anything, Devi made me feel like I wasn’t alone. For so long, I thought that belonging meant changing myself to match everyone else. But Devi showed me that real belonging comes from embracing all the pieces of who I am. Her story wasn’t just about fitting in—it was about standing out and being proud of it.

It was like a light bulb moment when I understood that my voice and my story mattered. Seeing a character like Devi made me realize that my experiences weren’t just a side note; they were part of the bigger picture. It wasn’t just about being represented—it was about feeling understood.

Owning My Story

Watching Devi’s journey gave me the courage to be more confident in who I am. I learned that I could be proud of my background and my dreams at the same time. I didn’t need to change myself to fit anyone else’s idea of what I should be. Devi made me believe that my story, with all its messiness and contradictions, is worth sharing.

She showed me that I don’t have to choose between being one thing or another—I can be both. I can be proud of my culture and still chase after all the things I want in life. Seeing Devi helped me feel like I had a place in the world where I could be my full, authentic self.

Finding My Place in the World

Representation matters because it tells us that we belong. It’s a way of showing us that our stories, no matter how different or unique, are important too. Seeing Devi Vishwakumar on screen wasn’t just about watching a character—it was about finding a piece of myself in the world.

For the first time, I felt like my story was worth telling, that my voice deserved to be heard. And that’s something I’ll carry with me forever, knowing that I can be both proud of where I come from and excited about where I’m going.