Student Story: Sarah Mohamed
Meet Sarah Mohamed, a Master’s of Education student pursuing studies in the Learning Sciences with the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology. With an undergraduate background of culture and politics (Georgetown University School of Foreign Service), Sarah studied how history, identity, culture and beliefs shape social policy. Upon graduation, she joined Teach for Qatar (as part of the Teach for All Network) as an English Teaching fellow, followed by a project management role for World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), working to evaluate pedagogy and design the roadmap for a progressive school in Qatar.
“I realized during my time at WISE, that I lacked a certain skillset and knowledge about education, specifically when it comes to curriculum design that aims at educating the ‘whole person’”, commented Sarah. While most university graduate programs in Learning Sciences were strictly research-based, ۲ݮƵ Education offers thesis and non-thesis course-based options. “I was most interested in learning from professors and peers through a practical and project-based curriculum. ۲ݮƵ ECP’s M.Ed. program was the right fit for me; a balance of in-class experience conversing with other classmates, and the practical applications of the learned knowledge. Over the past year I have reflected on my time as an educational professional and deconstructed some of my own practices, which already goes to show the impact of the knowledge that I’m gaining through my program.”
Sarah not only made herself at home within her classes, but she has been working part-time for the Faculty of Education, managing the Innovative Graduate Recruitment Initiative Project (IGRIP). As the IGRIP Communications Assistant, Sarah has been interviewing professors, administrative staff, peers, and alumni to create a new podcast about the ۲ݮƵ Education grad school experience as well as a series of marketing videos that showcase the Faculty for prospective Master’s and Doctoral candidates. “This opportunity has opened my eyes and truly helped in connecting me with the ۲ݮƵ’s community. By working on IGRIP, I got to meet so many people who opened my eyes about different interests and career paths.” Sarah’s project management and interview skills have led to other opportunities. Over the spring and summer, Sarah has also been working with Dr. Blane Harvey (Department of Integrated Studies in Education) on a limited series podcast about the effects of social learning on social change. Most recently, Sarah moderated the ۲ݮƵ Alumni webinar Ed Tech Talk: In-Class and At-Home Learning during COVID-19.
“After graduation, I am interested in working with grassroots organizations that create educational programs for young adults. My main aim is to make a difference and I’m especially interested in working with those that support black women and LGBTQI+ community.”