Hometown: Chicago, IL

Program: M.Ed. in Global Perspectives: Teaching, Curriculum, and Learning Environments

What are your academic interests? My academic and career interests revolve around empowering girls through education and international development. I'm passionate about continuing my work in the humanitarian space, where I can focus on creating lasting and meaningful educational opportunities for girls around the world. By building on my experience and knowledge, I want to make a real difference in global initiatives that help young women reach their full potential.

Why BC? I chose the M.Ed. in Global Perspectives: Teaching, Curriculum, and Learning Environments at Boston College because it connects deeply with my passion for promoting inclusive and innovative education, particularly in girls’ education and empowerment. My journey as an English teacher across seven countries, along with my Peace Corps service in Ecuador, and my current role at Women’s Global Education Project, has given me firsthand insight into the global challenges facing education. Boston College’s strong focus on social justice and its outstanding reputation in education make it the perfect place for me to grow and continue making a difference on a global scale.

Hometown: Boise, ID

Program: M.S. in Applied Statistics and Psychometrics

Email: taelor.anderson@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? After spending 2 years participating in cognitive psychology research at Boston University, I have become very interested in how children understand science and perceive themselves as scientists. In order to continue advancing in this field, I need a better understanding of the mathematics behind social science research.

Why BC? I chose to pursue applied statistics after earning a bachelors in psychology so I could become a more well rounded researcher in the future. Boston College has one of the best statistics programs to reach this goal. I love the city of Boston, as I have been living here for the past 4 years already. The faculty are great and the community is even better. 

Hometown: Sudbury, MA

Program: M.A. in Mental Health Counseling

Email: sofia.block@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? The ultimate goal is to become a wilderness therapist, because I see nature as a way to aid in the healing process that therapy facilitates. I am mainly interested in working with high schoolers and college students, because there is so much identity searching and navigating of life transitions at that age. I want to take my time and try out different paths within this career field, so I am starting with this more generalized Master’s in Mental Health Counseling with plans to get a wilderness therapy certification later on.

Why BC? During my undergraduate experience, I decided that I wanted to become a therapist because I want to help people in the most genuine and validational way possible. The Mental Health Counseling program at Boston College appealed to me because it has some of everything! It includes plenty of courses that feel very practical and applicable, such as Career Development, Multicultural Issues, and Ethical and Legal Issues in Mental Health. On top of that, I can pick multiple elective courses throughout the program, and I look forward to my field placement during the second year because I want to gain practical experience. I fell in love with BC’s beautiful campus, as well as its abundance of resources and real community for graduate students.

Hometown: Alexandria, VA

Program: M.A. in Higher Education / Concentration in Student Affairs

What are your academic interests? After graduating from my program, I hope to work in an academic advising setting. I love meeting students and helping them in their own academic and career journey. 

Why BC? I chose the Boston College Higher Education program because of the amazing faculty we have here at the Lynch School. I also was attracted to the program based on the opportunities and connections I found through the Higher Ed Interview Days. I love being in a program that encourages academic and professional growth through our graduate assistantships.

Hometown: Kingston, MA

Program: M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Policy / Concentration in Educational Policy Development

Email: derek.keough@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? I hope to enter the world of school leadership as a department head or a dean of faculty. I enjoy all aspects of independent school life and connecting with students, families, and alumni, and hope to work with these stakeholders in future leadership roles.

Why BC? I chose the online M.Ed. program in Educational Leadership & Policy because it really aligned with my professional goals and was extremely compatible with my demands as a full-time teacher, coach, and parent. The courses in the program and the quality of each faculty member ensure that I am receiving a top-notch education that I can immediately put into practice. Also, the flexibility of having a fully-online program that is broken down into weekly modules allows me to work at my own pace without being overburdened. I also love that I have a great community of classmates from across the country who are taking this journey with me. 

Hometown: Cairo, Egypt

Program: M.Ed. in Elementary Education and Moderate Support Needs (Dual Degree)

Email: kotbm@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? Special and inclusive education has always been very important to me. After graduating, I plan on using my master's degree to work in inclusive education either as a special education teacher or homeroom teacher. My ultimate goal is to create a space where all learners feel safe and excited to learn. 

Why BC? When I was looking for graduate programs, I struggled to find a program that equally emphasized special education and elementary education. I knew I wanted to work as a teacher, but I was not sure which one I wanted to pursue long term, and I worried that getting a master's degree in just one would be limiting later on. I was excited by the program at Boston College, since I did not need to compromise on my options. Along with the course work, I was looking forward to the two practicum courses in the program that would provide me with experience in both options, and help me decide what path I want to take after graduation.

Hometown: Hull, MA

Program: M.Ed. in Special Education for Moderate Support Needs

Email: alyssa.healey@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? In my academic studies, I greatly enjoy challenging my own beliefs and assumptions, and I love learning from the experiences and perspectives of others. As an aspiring elementary education teacher, I am passionate about learning new strategies to support all learners and I am greatly interested in conversations regarding intersectionality and education. 

Why BC? After just my first year as an undergraduate at Boston College, I knew I wanted to pursue my master’s degree at this institution as well. I quickly fell in love with not just the beautiful campus, but the communities I found within the Lynch School and BC as a whole. I feel so fortunate to study special education and urban education with professors who are devoted to teaching for social justice and caring for the whole person. As we learn and discuss theories in our courses, Boston College provides the opportunity to simultaneously teach with—and learn from—educators within the Boston community. Thus, when pursuing a degree in the Lynch School, I was able to join communities within and beyond the physical boundaries of campus. 

Hometown: Kamembe, Rwanda

Program: M.A. in Mental Health Counseling

Email: musabea@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? I am passionate about increasing awareness of mental health, especially within diverse communities. My dream career would involve working as a family and children's therapist in both the USA and an African country. I also hope to continue advocating for and writing about mental health and feminism to help the youth heal and thrive. 

Why BC? I was impressed by the number of states where a Boston College degree in Mental Health Counseling would allow me to work and the level of mentorship that BC professors offer to us students. Additionally, I love BC's location, as Boston is a hub of many great hospitals serving a diverse population, an environment in which I envision launching my career.

Hometown: Kerala, India

Program: M.A. in Research and Evaluation Methods

Email: mahima.nambiar@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? Following my master's, I aim to pursue a Ph.D. in education, focusing on assessment and evaluation methodologies. As a future academic, I aspire to drive educational innovation, inform policy, and mentor aspiring educators. My ultimate goal is to become a leading expert, bridging research and practice to enhance student outcomes.

Why BC? Boston College's M.A. in Research and Evaluation stood out to me as a transformative opportunity to elevate my teaching expertise, inform data-driven instruction, and ultimately benefit my students and community. As an educator, I sought a program that would enhance my practice, inform my leadership, and inspire my students. Boston College's reputation, faculty expertise, and commitment to social responsibility made it the clear choice. I chose Boston College to amplify my impact as a teacher, leverage research-informed practices, and create a brighter future for my students. This program will empower me to drive positive change.

Hometown: Venus, Texas

Program: M.S. in Data Science

Email: prestoj@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? My academic and career aspirations include pursuing a government role within the data science field, where I can apply my skills to serve the public good. This interest has been sparked by my amazing wife who has served in the United States Navy for over thirteen years. Alternatively, I aim to give back through education by becoming a professor, sharing my knowledge and experience with the next generation in this dynamic and evolving discipline of data science.

Why BC? I chose Boston College for my Master's in Data Science because, as a retired photographer, I wanted to transition into a field that would allow me to stay in a creative space while delving into more substantive career opportunities. After researching several programs, I found that Boston College uniquely aligned with my values, particularly in its commitment to ethical, mission-driven education that enhances the human condition. The college's focus on clear, principled decision-making and service to all through diverse roles resonated with me. Additionally, this program challenges me to step out of my comfort zone, pushing me to develop new skills and apply my creative talents in a new, innovative field. This combination of factors made Boston College the perfect choice for my continued education.

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Program: M.A. in School Counseling

Email: danielle.topaz@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? I'm passionate about supporting students' mental health and development, which is why I'm pursuing a career in school counseling. My academic interests focus on counseling techniques, child and adolescent psychology, and strategies for promoting social-emotional learning in schools. Ultimately, I aim to advocate for students' well-being and help create inclusive, supportive school environments.

Why BC? I chose Boston College for my Master's in School Counseling because it felt like the right fit for me. The focus on social justice and community engagement really stood out, and I love that BC emphasizes both practical experience and advocacy work. Plus, the supportive community made me feel safe and confident that I’ll grow both personally and professionally here. Being in Boston with access to diverse schools is a big bonus too!

Hometown: Mattapan, MA

Program: M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education / Donovan Urban Teaching Scholar

Email: jacqueline.wade@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? My career goal is to become a reading specialist who works with individuals that struggle to gain or improve literacy skills. My academic goal is to develop the necessary skills that will allow me to understand my students' reading challenges, frustrations, and aspirations, and provide them with the support and encouragement they need to be successful.

Why BC? I chose BC specifically for the Donovan Urban Teaching Scholars Program, because I wanted to learn more about social justice. I am a kindergarten teacher and I want to lay the foundation for their future learning by instilling essential academic, social, and emotional skills through the lens of social justice. I felt that BC would support my goals to create equity for all within my classroom and learn critical theories that require action and systemic change to achieve equal outcomes.

Hometown: Anhui, China

Program: M.A. in Mental Health Counseling / Urban Scholars Cohort

Email: nianyao.xiao@bc.edu

What are your academic interests? I’m still exploring because there are so many interesting things I want to try! Currently, I’m interested in intimate partner violence among LGBTQ+ populations, maternal mental health, children with ASD, and families struggling to care for loved ones with severe mental health disorders.

Why BC? I used to work in finance before transitioning into the counseling field. The Mental Health Counseling program at Boston College offers me extensive guidance and hands-on experience in counseling skills, which is valuable for someone like me who is starting from scratch. I've met many incredible people here, such as my Lab Leader, Highsmith, and my second-year mentor, Jasmine, who have made my life here wonderful and my internship seeking process more manageable. Additionally, BC is a prestigious institution with a strong reputation among many employers, which will greatly benefit us in our job search. I also appreciate the countless opportunities and the safe community provided by Boston. Our internship sites in Boston include numerous renowned schools, universities, hospitals, and community clinics.