What is your passion?

I'm extremely passionate about working with children. I specifically want to teach our youth. I wholeheartedly believe that anyone can do anything so long as they work hard and believe they can. I don't think our youth, specifically individuals of color or with disabilities, are believed in or empowered enough. I hope to one day become a part of the bigger picture so that I can change the way we view success and who success looks like.

How did you discover your passion?

This is a harder question for me. There was no epiphany or instantaneous moment where I thought "this is what I want to do!" It was more gradual. I went into my undergraduate career undeclared; I figured by testing the waters eventually I'll figure out my calling. In the back of my mind I had an inkling that I wanted to be a teacher but everyone in my family worked with children, and I thought I wanted t do more than that. But then, overtime, the first people that empowered me were my teachers--I wanted to be that. I want to be that. There was nothing that interested me more than education and sociological education. I guess when ethical questions about my own education arose, I began to think more about the world we live in and how it impacts and molds us. Education is a part of our world for about 18 years and that is a long time to make or break someone.

Who has supported you through your journey?

My family, friends, myself... honestly speaking, everyone who has grown close to me has supported me. I've created close relationships with coworkers, professors, and other professionals at Le Moyne and here at SUNY Cortland. It's really been a hard journey, but I think I'm doing really well and part of that is because I have such an amazing support system--I seldom feel alone.

Is it difficult being a person of color in education? what are some hardships you face? How is it beneficial?

Yes, it is. I think the culture shock is the biggest challenge. I sit in classrooms being the only person of color present, which I'm sure many can relate to. However, there's more to it than that. When I student teach, go to meetings, meet principals, or do anything in a school I never worked with a person of color. It could be the location because most of these interactions happened in upstate New York but honestly, it shouldn't matter where I am.

My bachelor's degree is dual adolescent and special education, my graduate program is teaching students with disabilities. I'm extremely passionate about speaking for those who lack the ability to speak for themselves. I believe people of color fall under this category. You can see from neighborhood to neighborhood how different the school systems are. If you look at the differences in schools from district to district you can literally tell what demographics the school has--no data collection necessary, just the ability to see. It's amazing to me. I think people of color are not given the opportunity to succeed before they are even asked to be successful.

Is there anything about you (ethnicity, creed, religion, etc.) that inspired or may have hindered your passion?

I feel like my religion has definitely played a role in my passion. I am a Hindu living in a Christian nation. So, not only am I a person of color, I'm also a person that is not Christian or Catholic. This has only empowered me; I have learned to have strength as I face adversity. I want to teach children resilience; there will always be an immense amount of obstacles in front of them, but I feel like children of color don't see enough of the "good" that comes out of hard work--they continuously see the challenges.

What are some hardship that you've endured while pursuing your passion?

One hardship I've endured, which I think you can relate to, is having no transportation upstate. This may not sound like a challenge but it was an obstacle that was difficult to overcome. In my undergrad I felt so dependent on others and I absolutely hated it. I'm an independent person, so having to depend on others to achieve my dreams was a challenge for me. There were so many times I could not expand my horizons by working in schools further away because I didn't have a means of transportation. Thankfully, I had reliable people in my life that were willing to help me but it was difficult. I had to learn that it is okay to ask for help and to accept it.

What have you learned about yourself and the world in pursuit of your passion?

I am resilient. It has been a long, tough road. I have had the challenge of not having transportation, continuously being dependent upon others, having too many requests and demands placed on me, and being pulled in too many directions. I think the demands to become a teacher are incredibly high and the rewards do not match. To be a teacher you really have to want and love what you do.

What is one of your proudest moments in relation to your passion?

I always talk about the fall semester of my senior year because honestly that was one of the most challenging times of my life. I had multiple personal life issues, I was applying to graduate school, I had to take the GREs and other Teacher Certification tests, I was working 16+ hours, I was involved in clubs, I had to complete 40 practicum hours, all while taking 19 credits---woosh, even saying that is a mouth full. But I'll tell you, that was the first 4.0 GPA I received in my undergraduate career. I worked incredibly hard and put my heart into it all. Teaching is what I want to do and despite all the challenges I faced, I excelled.

What advice would you give your younger self? People who want to make a career out of education?

I would tell my younger self to do it all! Lots of people look back and wish they had done more, and that's me. I wish that I was more proactive in working with children and following my dreams. This past summer I worked at an overnight camp and I absolutely loved every moment of it--even the difficult ones, and there were a lot of those. I wish I had done that sooner. I wish I looked at more opportunities available to me. I wish I studied abroad.

The advice I give myself now is that it's not too late. I went to summer camp at 23, I'm planning trips and looking into working abroad--I don't know if it will happen, but I am more proactive than previously. Do all that you can to gain experience, and really want it. Again, becoming a teacher is a difficult process but if you want to make a difference, work hard and seek support. There are people who will lift and support you--you are not less of a person if you ask for help.

I remember, while we both were in college, we were stressing a lot about all of the responsibilities we had and wondering how we would make it through. Looking back at those moments compared to where you are now, what has it taught you?

We were definitely justified in our frustration! Seriously speaking, look at us now. We are doing so well and I am so proud of the individuals we are becoming. Sometimes you need to vent to let out the frustration, but after you vent, keep it pushing--honestly. All you can do in life is keep moving forward and I have come a long way. As much complaining as I did at Le Moyne, I would not change that for the world. I feel so well educated and prepared as I'm in graduate school. This is my third semester at SUNY Cortland and I currently have a 4.13 GPA--and that is because of Le Moyne. I tell everyone that Le Moyne's program is rigorous but worth it.

"Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it" (Marian Wright Edelman).

Lada: I met Diane at LMC and she has been one of the most strongest, supportive women I know. We used to be in the trenches while in undergrad but Diane always offered an encouraging word or would listen to me as I vented. I really appreciated that and KNOW that whomever is blessed to have her on their side is in amazing company. Thank you so much Diane.