Hometown: Newton, Massachusetts
Class Year: 2021
Favorite Education Studies Class:
One of my favorite classes so far has been a small seminar called "Education, the Economy, and School Reform" with Professor de Galbert. There are so many others I've also loved, though. I highly recommend "Adolescent Literature" with Professor Snyder as well!
What drew you to study education?
I've been interested in education since my junior year of high school. My English teacher had assigned a series of essays and book excerpts for us to practice identifying rhetorical strategies, but it was really the topics of the pieces that drew me in. I hadn't known that it was possible to study education as a field, to really explore achievement gaps, geographic inequality in schooling, and the historical bases of that. The chance to take classes that focused on these in such a strong Education department was one of the reasons I applied to Brown!
What has been your favorite part of this concentration as a whole?
The chance to get to know the Education department professors has been incredible. They have helped me immensely in thinking through possible career paths and futures I may want to pursue, and the opportunity to take classes with such brilliant professors is amazing!
Have you had any cool education projects/internships during your time at Brown?
The summer after my freshman year, I worked at a program called Generation Teach. I spent the summer in Western Massachusetts and taught middle schoolers. It was the first time I had been trusted to teach a classroom by myself -- which is a huge responsibility! It was overwhelming and thrilling and I learned so much that summer.
I am also a part of Brown Elementary Afterschool Mentoring (BEAM)!
What led you to get involved in BEAM?
I joined BEAM my freshman fall, and to say that it has been the best part of my undergraduate experience would be an understatement. I was drawn to it initially because I did a lot of tutoring/teaching in high school. Being part of the D'Abate community has allowed me to build connections with the students and teachers. In addition, getting to lead a classroom and create lessons each week has fostered my love of education even more.
How was your experience different between being a BEAM volunteer and a BEAM site leader?
As a BEAM site leader, I've been able to get to know the D'Abate teachers much more and learn from their expertise. I can get to know D'Abate students from all different grades and classes in this role as well, and I've formed even closer relationships with some students which has been great. Having a more advisory role has allowed me to take on new responsibilities within the school. I've also been able to get to know more Brown students in this role, which I've loved!
What are you most passionate about?
I am most passionate about equal access to quality schooling for all students. Where you live shouldn't determine the quality of schooling you get -- every student should be able to have the education they deserve.
— interview by Peyton Strong '22