Adversity: a word that, once understood, can be easily overcome. I came to this realization upon my undergraduate graduation and continue to see obstacles in my path as new opportunities. My name is Jessica I. Alvarez-Harris and I began the MAT@USC in the January cohort.
I began this program in order to bring to fruition my dream of becoming an inner-city public school teacher. Currently, I teach kindergarten and revel in knowing that I am able to share my passion of learning and instill the core values of courage, integrity and perseverance in my students early on in their academic careers. However, becoming a teacher is not my sole reason for choosing MAT@USC.
I am the mother of a three year old daughter and I am a Latina. As a woman of minority descent and a mother, I want to be an example of how education can help you avoid the likelihood of becoming another statistic. I want my daughter to learn that dreams can come true. Dreams are not just manufactured in Disney movies and are attainable through work, commitment and dedication.
The MAT@USC allows for me to not only realize my professional goals, but also become a role model for my daughter, my students and my family. The program’s uniqueness in its flexibility gives me the opportunity to raise my daughter and teach simultaneously.
While in the program, I plan to not only profit from the education I receive but to also network with the MAT@USC community. Through these relationships I hope to open doors to future professional opportunities as well as exchange advice, stories and experiences. I also wish to use my education from the MAT@USC to aid me in fulfilling my goal of performing educational research. I hope that as a Latina and young mother I will be able to help develop new incentives and approaches to education as well as serve as a voice of an unheard demographic.
My time with the program will not only be valuable to securing my future as a professional with a Doctorate in Educational Psychology, but also to ensuring the legacy I intend to leave for my daughter.
“Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity.” –Aristotle
