Indianapolis, USA
After studying biology at undergraduate level, I worked in education in the US, first as a high school teacher, then training and supporting new teachers in low-income areas of St. Louis. Access to education in the US (and worldwide) is connected to structures of power and privilege, and I wanted to learn more about histories of race and racism and perceptions of gender and sexuality, as well as gain an understanding of how US institutional structures fit into a global, historical context. The MSc Race, Ethnicity and Post-Colonial Studies programme perfectly fit my interests: it has a specific sociological focus, and the courses encompass a broad range of cross-disciplinary topics.
The programme is quite unique and creates a specific lens through which to explore social theory. We study a significant amount of history, from the Enlightenment through the present, and seek to understand the contemporary world by examining histories of knowledge production, race, gender, colonisation, migration, diaspora, and anti-colonial struggles. I really enjoy being part of such a small programme, as we have opportunities for rich discussions in our core course. The professors are all incredible and accessible, and the programme reflects the multi-disciplinary interests of both the professors and the students.
This has been the most challenging academic year of my life, but I have also felt supported by my professors and classmates, who come from a range of backgrounds, identities and global perspectives. The rigour and expectations are high and we are also given a great deal of freedom to explore research topics that interest us. I have appreciated the balance of independence and faculty support, both throughout the term and now as I work on my master's dissertation. I came in expecting to write a dissertation on race and education, but through this year of study, I've been exposed to new possibilities for research and shifted my focus to intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and class in the US, explored through the experiences of women in same-sex relationships who have created mixed-race families. In addition to the professors in my Department, I've enjoyed interacting with amazing people in other departments, especially BIOS and the Gender Institute. Being at LSE and living in London provides many opportunities to meet and interact with interesting people doing incredibly important work.
As someone interested in educational equity, I have enjoyed being involved in some of the Widening Participation activities at LSE, first as a mentor, then working with the ACE sessions and the Year 11 Summer School. Throughout the year, I was able to work with young people, both within Greater London and on the LSE campus. Additionally, I played with a London volleyball team that I was introduced to through another LSE student.