Greetings Trojans,
My name is L. Dranae Jones. Cardinal and Gold runs deep within my family. My mother worked here and took a few classes just before I was born. Other relatives are either alumni or former employees. It is a wonder why it took so long for me to join to Trojan family.
In addition to being an aspiring teacher, Dranae is also an accomplished figure skater.
My journey to the MAT@USC program began in the spring of 2009. Feeling dissatisfied with my level of contribution to society, I decided to take a couple of courses at Los Angeles City College (LACC) to figure out how I could provide more service. I am a writer by nature and I have always wanted to teach, therefore I took courses in journalism and child development.
Even though I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1997, I was still required to see an academic advisor. Our conversation gave my life new direction. He asked me what I was doing at a junior college and told me to stop wasting time and get my Master’s degree. He told me that students needed teachers like me; people with enthusiasm that genuinely care and take a no nonsense approach. He gave it to me straight with no chaser. He told me, “There are not many teachers that look like us and students need to see examples of success that come from their neighborhoods.” I grasped the gravity of his words. I reflected on my education. The teachers who had the most profound impact on my learning experience shared my background or my temperament. They knew how to reach me. My advisor saw in me the ability to reach inner city students, those who are failing to see the immeasurable value and purpose of education, to create critical thinkers who are also good citizens.
I left LACC with the intention of attending California State University Los Angeles (CSULA). State budget problems in California caused an admissions freeze. For a split second, I felt lost in the midst of my new direction. Then by divine guidance, I saw advertisements for the Master of Arts in Teaching offered on line by USC for students everywhere. I cannot recall seeing the program advertised before that moment. I sent in an inquisitive message and requested information. The admissions counselors handled my application with care and provided a preview of what it means to be a Trojan.
My acceptance to the January 2010 cohort of the MAT@USC has brought me one step closer to providing more for others. There are not enough words in my vocabulary to express accurately the level of closeness involved in the MAT@USC. The interactive classes via webcam provide the opportunity to connect with the professor and each student in the class. The experience seems more intimate than the traditional classroom settings because you see everyone. Each student speaks and provides valuable input to class discussions. I am certain I did not work nearly this hard during undergrad. However the rigorous pace of the program and the demands placed regarding papers and projects is simply a glimpse of what is to come once I step foot in the classroom.
It was an arduous journey to get here and I am ever grateful. The Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California demands an unprecedented level of scholastic excellence while providing nurturing support. I sometimes wonder if I would feel a similar sense of joy had I attended CSULA, but then I think about missing the feeling of family that comes with becoming a Trojan. I look forward to increasing my level of service and lifting others as I rise. Trojans take care of Trojans.
Fight on!
Did you know that the MAT@USC helps students find great teaching fellowships?
