Supportive faculty made a difference
Loni Frank and Divine Muzia, alumni of the School of Child and Youth Care
The Bridge Program (external link, opens in new window) is a mentorship program that encourages Black undergraduate students in the Faculty of Community Services (FCS) to consider graduate school. Loni Frank and Divine Muzia, graduates of the School of Child and Youth Care in FCS, have been through the Bridge Program led by Professor Beverly-Jean Daniel. Recently I was able to find out more about their journey to graduate school.
“Since I began my post-secondary education long ago, I have always been working in the field and attending school simultaneously. Upon finishing my master’s degree in 2019, I have returned to my full-time permanent position with the Peel District School Board as an educational assistant after being on extended maternity leave. I also work as a contract instructor in the Child and Youth Care program at Sheridan College and George Brown College,” said Frank.
“Currently, I am a first-year master of social work student at the University of Toronto who will be specializing in mental health and health,” said Muzia. A supportive academic community, including inspiring students and professors, led to new goals and plans. “Growing up, I never planned to pursue academia past undergrad. That was the end destination for me until I started surrounding myself with Black students who have inspirations to achieve more. This sparked a ripple effect and inspired me to look beyond my current goals to pursue greater goals.” A supportive academic community, including inspiring students and professors, led to a new action plan. “Professors that encouraged me to pursue graduate school include Beverly-Jean Daniel, Johanne Jean-Pierre, Kiaras Gharabaghi, as well as my peers. They saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself, which is a huge factor in my becoming the professional I am today,” Muzia explained.
“I came to learn about the Bridge Program later in my academic career, and yet the people (both peers and mentors) I’ve met in the program have had, and continue to have, an incredible impact on my journey,” said Frank. “Namely, professors Beverly-Jean Daniel, Johanne Jean-Pierre, Julian Hasford and Petra Roberts. They always had an open door, kind and wise words, listening ears and gentle direction or redirection that made the difference! Jacqui Spencer (external link, opens in new window) , the mentorship coordinator for the Bridge program, was also quite impactful, even in her short time with the Bridge. Jacqui was actively completing her PhD and had invaluable information to share, and was readily available to offer support however we needed it. There were also a couple of other friendly faculty members whose office I had sat in and let tears fall.”
Both Frank and Muzia plan to go further with their education. “I want to be Dr. Muzia! I see a PhD in my future and want to be working alongside communities,” said Muzia. Frank agreed. “I would like to earn a PhD. It’s a goal to share my story and research worldwide. My children will be teenagers by then, and I hope we are as close then as we are now and that I inspire them to reach their goals.”
This journey isn’t without obstacles. “The racism in post-secondary is real. It seems the higher I went, the more insidious it was. The microaggressions were difficult to navigate because of their very nature. I found it difficult to navigate, both as a student and now as an instructor. As a student, I found that the university wanted to address these issues but failed at doing so effectively. As an instructor, it is challenging to teach students how to address the very issues I was experiencing in the classroom,” said Frank. “Then there is the plate of a Black woman, full and overflowing. I have two young children, a job (sometimes two or three), full-time school, an ageing parent living in my home, and the joys and challenges of partnership that I have to contend with.”
The current COVID-19 pandemic didn’t make this easier. “Pursuing a master’s during a pandemic continues to be the biggest obstacle in my life,” Muzia added. “I’m grateful for my support network and the understanding they provide along the way,” said Muzia. She’s both optimistic and has encouraging advice for students. “Build a rapport with professors and other students. The journey in academia may look long and lonely at times but having a strong support network, consisting of like-minded or just overall supportive, fosters a positive impact on the journey. Allow yourself to step out of your comfort zone to create space for change and growth.”
Professors and fellow students can be powerful champions for students. “Find your allies,” said Frank, “In both the faculty and among your peers. Utilize the many ‘free’ resources made available by the university. Remember your ‘why’ and stay focused on the prize, whatever it might be.” No matter where one’s academic path may lead, Frank encourages grad school. “It is not always the next step, but sometimes it is. One thing for sure is that time will pass, and in the end, you will either have a degree or wish you had a degree. It is absolutely possible to get that graduate degree, and it will be worth it for generations to come.”