5 Summer Saturdays for a Graduate Course?

I decided to enroll in a Summer graduate course entitled EDEA 780K: Critical Perspectives in Higher Education.  I know what you all are thinking.  "Why are you taking a Summer graduate course?"  With what little leftover monies I had from my scholarships, which were supposed to be used for my Summer living expenses, I paid to take this class as another elective.  So, basically, I've been broke financially, but rich minded - if that makes sense.  

This class was interesting, but looking forward to spending my Saturdays from 9am-5pm talking about critical perspectives, was crazy.  Although, I had friends who were also crazy enroll in this class as well.  It was very informative, intense, and fun, when it was too serious.  In all, this course helped us to understand Critical Race Theory, learn other critical perspectives, and applying those perspectives in higher education.  Although the Saturdays were long, the class was really short.

The readings and topics included: race and theory, Critical Race Theory, racism, interest-convergence, whiteness, white privilege, intersectionality, counter-storytelling, Tribal Critical Theory, Critical Feminism and Pedagogy of the Oppressed.  There were some articles more interesting than others, and some articles that were too complex for me, like the law articles.

In all, I'm glad that I took this class along with my friends.  I've learned a lot in a few classes about Critical Race Theory and the many different critical perspectives based on race, culture, gender, class and how it affects people in education, particularly in higher education.  This is an important issue to keep in mind, when working in education, either as a teacher, administrator, researcher and even as a student.  These critical perspectives helps to critically analyze reality from the lives and experiences from different people, from different backgrounds.  

And so, the final paper was killing me.  I've been refining my research proposal since taking 602 and would say this is my third draft.  Having to rewrite it and include a critical perspective component was challenging.  For my research proposal, I tried to incorporate Kaupapa Māori (a Māori framework) to view what factors of the UHM's Hawaiian Studies and Hawaiian Language programs impact Native Hawaiians in higher education?  It's a work in progress, but I'm hoping that I don't loose interest.  I'm thinking, "what other easy things can I do, that will fulfill the Plan B?"

Summarizing the 1st year in Graduate School

     I should have started this earlier, but my first year in graduate school has finished.  I am a graduate student at the University of Hawaiʻi - Mānoa seeking my Masters of Education in Educational Administration, with a focus on higher education, in the College of Education.  First and foremost, I never thought I would have seen myself in graduate school, particularly in education.  However, the admission requirements for this program were not rigorous and did not include taking the GRE.  

     The reason I applied and accepted my offer of admission into this program was because of my international exchange during my undergraduate study to the University of Waikato, Aotearoa/New Zealand.  While living there and learning, I've observed how Waikato Uni and the others allowed space for Māori in higher education.  Just to prior to leaving for Aotearoa, I've been involved with the Pūkoʻa and Kūaliʻi Councils, which are Native Hawaiian Advisory Councils to the University of Hawaiʻi President and University of Hawaiʻi - Mānoa Chancellor respectively.  For these very two reasons, I journeyed into higher education.

     It was a huge step for me to step into something that I was not familiar with.  From just obtaining my BA in Hawaiian Studies, I thought I would continue into the MA program.  I guess Ke Akua had other plans for me.  And I am very grateful and happy I am in this program, as there is a need for Hawaiians working in higher education.  

The classes I took in my first year are: 

Fall 2011

EDEA 602 Research in Educational Administration

EDEA 657 Introduction to Higher Education

EDEA 660 Management and Leadership in Higher Education

Spring 2012

EDEA 646 American College Student

EDEA 780K Access, Diversity, and Equity in Higher Education

EDEF 652 History of Education in Hawaiʻi

     What a year!  It was tough and very challenging.  Lots of writing and reading, but very informational, as it relates to us as college students.  The theories and knowledge we learn in class, can be very practical and applicable.  These classes really helped to set a foundation in higher education.  I met many good friends in this program and I am also happy that there are other Hawaiians in this program as well.

     Now that a year has quickly passed, I only have one more year left for my degree.  I really like it, because this program is only two years.  All the MEd programs are two years, so I am in and out.  I can't wait to graduate "again" and get my MEd!!!