Josephine Beckett '24

Content

"I took my first classes in the College of Education my sophomore year. My experiences working as a camp counselor, coach, and tutor throughout high school helped me develop a passion for working with children, but I wasn’t sure how to combine it with my other interests. After talking with the very helpful advising staff in the college I decided to pursue a minor in education. This way I am able to explore the field of education while continuing to study public health. I’ve been able to learn about the history of education as well as the future, including ways to make learning more technologically advanced, accessible, and socially just.

The courses I have taken at Furcolo have prepared me to bring a diverse and innovative mindset to any career. Post undergrad I hope to study the intersection of public health, education, and policy in order to work towards a society where everyone is given equal opportunities to be successful. I am passionate about changing and creating new policies that will allow for all members of the community to have the accommodations and resources that they need to succeed. After pursuing a career in healthcare policy, potentially as a community health educator, I hope to eventually work in a classroom and promote lifelong learning.

Despite not being an education major I have always felt welcomed at Furcolo. I’ve found that the faculty go above and beyond to support their students. In addition to making themselves available outside of class to answer questions, the faculty make efforts to get to know their students. The Advising Center organizes events in and around the Hub cafe where professors, staff, students, and even the college’s dean get together to better know one another. I am grateful to be a part of such a close-knit community where I feel unquestionable support and inspiration.

My favorite part about being a student at UMass is the ability to customize my experience. I am able to be apart of multiple colleges and clubs within the university in order to pursue what inspires me. At times the large size of the university can be a bit overwhelming, but being apart of smaller communities can make the big school feel small. On top of being involved within my areas of academic interests, I am also a member of the UMass cheerleading team and a CCD teacher at the Newman Catholic Center. These experiences have given me lifelong memories and have led me to meet people outside of my classes- some of whom have become my closest friends. I love that UMass has given me the opportunity to explore different perspectives to consider while thinking about how I can have the most meaningful impact on society."