I can relate to them because I also think I'm a minority. I moved to the United States 12 years ago as an international student. The barrier of language and culture, lack of opportunities for employment, financial strain, loneliness, etc. were all obstacles for an international student. Not really to get a good job or make good money, but to get equal opportunities, I knew I would have to work harder than with my native friends.
Nowadays, some social media articles insist on telling us to "Work smarter, not harder." I agree that working smart is very important. However, it depends. Many people, especially minorities, must work very hard before they can work smarter. In fact, regardless of whether you are a minority or not, you may not have the same resources as a few lucky people who were born with them.
Today, I'm still working very hard, as a professor. I keep learning, listening, writing, and sharing. My ability to work smarter now comes from working harder. My last night's networking session introduced me to several entrepreneurs and investors who are so ready to speak to my students and share their real-world financial knowledge. I work smart, don't I? However, I wouldn't have a chance to connect with these amazing people if I was too lazy to attend this event.
So, let's work harder.