Describe your personal, educational, and professional experiences and how they informed your decision to pursue a graduate degree.
For the past years, I have worked for several organizations, including City Year L.A., the L.A. Boys and Girls Club, and the Fulfillment Fund, that serve some of the most under-represented neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Across the various schools I worked with, I noticed disparities that widen the achievement gap for first generation students of color. There is a lack of cultural competence in schools, along with a failure to acknowledge race, culture, class, and gender disparities, that results in perpetual underperformance of students in urban schools. It was clear to me that systemic and institutionalized racism and oppression were deeply permeated into these communities, and in order to change any of it, I would need to continue my studies.
In January of 2018, I became part of the Los Angeles Scholars Investment Fund (LASIF) Young Men of Color Initiative Fellow to research and create innovative programming to support young men of color pursue and attain a college degree. Through the LASIF fellowship, I gained hands on experience working with other professionals at various educational institutions such as K-12 schools, community organizations, community colleges and 4 year institutions and worked collaboratively to create innovative solutions through action research projects funded by LASIF. My participation in this fellowship allowed me to build curriculum for a student enrichment program aimed at equipping young men of color in high school with the skills to achieve their personal and academic goals. Months after starting my fellowship, I was admitted to graduate school and I knew that I wanted to continue the work I had began with my fellowship. Now, I am in the early stages of the thesis process with the preliminary title: Roses that Grew from the Concrete: A Counterstory of Young Men of Color Transitioning to College.
What challenges did you encounter along your educational trajectory? How did you overcome those challenges?
I am a first generation college graduate who grew up in a low-income, urban community in Los Angeles. I was fortunate to attend UCLA for my undergraduate education; however, I was not prepared for the culture shock I experienced as a college student. Much of the time at UCLA, I struggled academically, and felt inadequate, unprepared, and unworthy of my place at the university. My undergraduate experience placed several hurdles in my path that could have been avoided if I was more prepared for the transition to college. I took a class titled “Race, Class, and Gender Inequities in Education” and learned about imposter syndrome, Critical Race Theory, and common disparities that first generation students like myself face. The class validated my experience in K-12 schooling, as well as my transition to UCLA. Upon completing the class, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in education to help eradicate inequities in urban schools.
Although my academic experience at UCLA was not always a positive one, I found counter-spaces on campus that helped me persist through my academic journey, like ethnic clubs, service organizations, research assistantships, and internships . As a result of my involvement and leadership on campus, I was able to navigate the transition from college into the workforce.
What advice do you have for individuals who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree?
I suggest taking your time to research graduate programs, faculty, and opportunities (fellowships, scholarships, research opportunities etc.) available to you at each of the schools you would like to apply to. I personally did not apply to graduate school until 4 years after I earned my undergraduate degree because I truly had no idea what I wanted to pursue. First, I thought about applying directly to PhD programs, then I thought about pursuing counseling, but changed my mind about both options. In terms of financial cost; as someone who works full time, I do not qualify for need based financial aid, so I knew that a local state school was a more financially sound option for me. After gaining some work experience and learning what type of education best fit my personal and professional goals, I decided to apply to just two programs that I felt would be a great fit, and was admitted to both. I ended up selecting CSU, Long Beach because the program curriculum was more appealing and the faculty in my program are excellent in their fields.
Stephanie is a college access and success professional and aspiring scholar. She recently started a new position with the Youth Policy Institute, and previously served as the Engagement Manager for the Fulfillment Fund where she developed curricula for student and parent enrichment programs.
