College Experiences That Helped a Retired Teacher at Hermosa Beach City School District Succeed
Stanford's rigorous women's volleyball team instilled valuable teamwork and focus, which proved crucial for a teaching career. The American Studies major, combining literature, political science, and history, further prepared the interviewee for navigating the complex socio-economic issues faced while teaching in an urban setting during a turbulent time, as described: "really helped in working with students in an urban setting in LA in the 90s during the Rodney King riots".
Teamwork, Overcoming Challenges, American Studies, Community Engagement, Higher Education
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Karen Maguy
Retired Teacher
Hermosa Beach City School District
Stanford University, 1991
UCLA - Master of Education 1995
Political Science, American Studies
Education
Education
Greek Life Member, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Playing high-level competitive volleyball at Stanford instilled teamwork, focus, and reliance on others, skills transferable to teaching.
2. Summer paralegal internships helped clarify career interests, leading to Teach for America application.
3. American Studies major (literature, political science, history) provided a strong foundation for understanding urban communities and socioeconomic issues encountered while teaching in Los Angeles during the 1990s
Transcript
Taking you back to your time at Stanford. What did you do in undergrad that set you up for success in your career?
When I was a student at Stanford, I was also on the women's volleyball team. We played at a very high, competitive level. I think the intensity of being on a team, the focus, and leaning on my teammates were probably a big factor that guided me into my success as a teacher.
In the summers, I was still interested in going to law school. I worked as a paralegal for two summers at two big law firms. I enjoyed my internships, but I didn't love them. So, in the back of my head, I knew that those weren't really right for me, even though I still applied to law school.
I think the aspect of being on a team and succeeding was probably what drove me to apply to Teach for America and give that a shot. But it wasn't so random at the end of the day. My undergraduate classes were in American studies, a combination of American literature, political science, and history.
The combination of those classes at Stanford really helped me working with students in an urban setting in LA in the 90s, during the Rodney King riots and the changes that happened in our society. Dealing with all the socioeconomic problems and issues we were facing, my education at Stanford really supported my understanding of the communities I was working with. I'm grateful for my undergraduate experience that led me down that path.
Advizer Personal Links
No