Fortunato J, 2024
Hi, my name is Fortunato! I graduated from the Applied English Studies MA program in Summer 2024. My research was centered around colorism, specifically how it was represented and had evolved in children’s literature. The MA program allowed me to work on my research while also making connections across campus. I would develop that networking more when discussing my research with various faculty and staff, especially when competing in the GradSlam Research Competition. Receiving my M.A. degree allowed me to utilize it as professional development for my resume to acquire my position, helping me in my career aspirations in Higher Education. These days, I work as the Academic Retention Programs Office Coordinator at Cal Poly Humboldt. The writing and facilitating spaces that this program provides are key things I touch on in my current role as a supervisor to a small student staff and writer of many administrative documents. While I don’t read as many children’s books as I did as a graduate student, my research still comes up when discussing belonging across campus. The pedagogies and social justice frameworks I gained from this program are applicable in every space that wants to foster belonging. In addition, my thesis: Exploring colorism in children’s literature: Sulwe and Black is Brown is Tan, doesn’t look too shabby on the Digital Commons website!
