Establishing myself as a scholar

ArCasia James

Education, Culture, and Society M.S.Ed., 2016

Before Penn GSE: Teaching English literature and history in China’s Shenyang province

After Penn GSE: Completing a Ph.D. program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

"While at Penn GSE, I was exposed to the debates that are defining education today, and the complex history of these issues. This deep analysis helped me develop distinct positions on key issues like philanthropy in education, which I continue to explore in my research."

I arrived at Penn GSE focused on establishing myself as a scholar. By the time I graduated from the Education, Culture, and Society program, I had learned how to conduct research and clearly communicate my findings to an academic audience — skills I use every day as I complete a Ph.D.

While at Penn GSE, I was exposed to the debates that are defining education today, and the complex history of these issues. This deep analysis helped me develop distinct positions on key issues like philanthropy in education, which I continue to explore in my research.

Dr. Alex Posecznick and Dr. Krystal Strong transformed my approach to writing. Their practical feedback and probing questions about how I was addressing issues of race, gender, and class gave me the foundation I needed to advance my academic career.

I also benefited from the unique ability to take courses across the university. Seminars taught by professors in the Africana Studies Department showed me how to dissect and digest historical scholarship and helped me affirm my identity and inherent value as a burgeoning Black woman scholar.

After finishing my Ph.D., I hope I can pass some of these lessons along to my own students.