My motivation for pursuing a graduate degree has been to analyze and disrupt systems of educational inequity, so that students of historically marginalized groups can access and thrive in academic spaces. Although my classes at HGSE have provoked many interesting conversations around issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, I have valued time outside of class to connect with colleagues through EPM’s weekly screening of “America to Me” episodes.
The Education Policy & Management is one of the bigger cohorts among HGSE’s 13 master’s programs, so I have cherished an additional opportunity to connect with classmates with whom I might not otherwise cross paths with along the daily hustle and bustle of classes. These sessions are facilitated by Diversity Equity and Inclusion Fellows, students working within the Office of Student Affairs. As a group, we have been able to engage candidly in our reflections upon the content of the series.
“America to Me” is a 10-episode documentary series about life in a racially diverse school in the Chicago area. As an intern with Harvard’s RIDES project (Re-imagining Integration in Diverse and Equitable Schools) this semester, I especially have enjoyed these viewings as avenues to open more conversations with the RIDES directors who were on the advisory group supporting the documentary’s launch across the country, developing materials and guides for group discussion. For many educators among the EPM cohort who miss daily interaction with youth, each episode depicts compelling narratives about real-life students, their families, and teachers within their broader high school community.
Rather than feeling burdened by an additional standing commitment in my weekly agenda, I have embraced these weekly viewings as a way to take a break from digesting reading and writing assignments and center myself in compelling youth stories. Among all the events and speakers happening on campus, it’s also a great reminder of the valuable resources, experiences, and insights that my colleagues present in these regular discussions.
Blog written by Amy Jiravisitcul. Photo provided by Instagram.
Hello, I’m Amy! This is my 5th year living in Boston. Prior to starting at HGSE, I spent three years working at an education non-profit in the city that worked with middle school students in an academic out-of-school time program. Prior to that, I spent a year teaching foreign language at a Boston charter school and a year teaching in rural southern China. My hobbies include riding my bike, eating, political organizing, and reflecting on Asian American identity.
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