1.
Why did you decide to attend Rutgers?
I decided
to attend Douglass College here at Rutgers after spending
a weekend on campus through a special program for women of
color. I had an opportunity to meet current students and many
Douglass Deans. I was sold after the first few hours.
2.
Why did you choose your undergraduate major?
I chose
to major in Sociology and Women Studies because I found both
of them to be fascinating. I am a definite "people-person"
and both majors gave me an opportunity to learn how people
interact with each other and the world around them.
3.
How did you get your first job out of college?
I got
my first job by looking through the help wanted ads in the
Burlington County Times newspaper and calling for an interview.
4. Describe your current position
and responsibilities?
In my
current position as an Assistant Dean for Academics, I am
responsible for the academic acclimation of new transfer students
to the University, I coordinate the minor in Organizational
Leadership for Livingston College and I teach a few courses
that focus on Leadership, Community and Diversity.
5.
To what degree is your current position related to your academic
major(s)?
90% of
what I do is related to my majors. Knowing how people interact
with each other and the world around them helps me to do my
job better.
6.
As a person of color, what has been your most challenging
experience on the job? How did you handle it and what did
you learn?
The most
challenging experience on the job is learning how to work
with people that have prejudged me based on the color of my
skin. I typically handle it by going above and beyond any
expectations that have been laid out for me. This allows my
superiors and peers to see that I have earned the right to
be there and have excelled when others thought I would have
failed. I have learned that people will always prejudge you
and your success is best comeback.
7.
What advice or suggestions would you offer to Rutgers students
of color?
YI would
advise students of color to seek out people who can mentor
them on the job, stay connected to each other and the university
after you leave, learn your resources (i.e. Career Services),
and find allies on the job and not on job for additional support.
Finally, do not let anyone or anything hold you back from
reaching your dream.
