Join us Wednesday, March 18! SIGN UP HERE.
11 a.m. – noon
Showcase Panel
Join us in the Collaboration Commons (Garden Level, West Pattee Library) for a moderated Showcase Panel featuring three of our books. Delve deeper into the stories of ?. No signup required.
1-2 p.m.
A Southern Belle With a Northern Twist by Latisha Franklin
A certified tree hugger and a southern belle, Latisha Franklin, is a graduate student whose Ph.D. thesis focuses on “understanding changes in metabolism and how they impact the whole body.” Born and raised in the deep south, she has worked not only to understand and communicate her science to help society, but also she has worked to understand herself. Realizing no one ever truly “fits in,” Latisha has embraced her “weird” nature to empower herself and those around her.
Small Brown Boy in Big White Culture by Dhir Agrawal
An International student who is from small town and now in big American College, this story highlights his journey and encounters with American Culture (think wearing a confraternity shirt on campus or trying apple bobbing).
Be the Change: Building Connections to People and Purpose by Candice Bradley
State College can be a culture shock as you shift from a metropolitan resident to a college town transplant. My story is one woman’s perspective transitioning from a large pond in Northern California to a smaller pond with many young professionals struggling in the same space between Town and Gown. I found my place building a sense of belonging for those who want to make a difference and make State College the right environment for young professionals to build a life temporarily or permanently. I decided to be the change I wanted to see in State College and focus my life here on building connections to people and purpose.
The Audacity TO Hope by Faith Shipapa
I am a child of many moms and dads. I hail from the low-lying savannahs of southern Kenya where family, culture and education have obscured and built my passions in life. I look at young girls gracing those southern plains and that country of many microclimates and I tear up because of the life they could potentially breathe onto the nation but they still can’t. At least not yet.
Walking Both Sides of the Street: The Road to Academic Success by Joe Webb
Joe Webb overcame incredible odds to become the man he is today. As a youth growing up in group homes and foster care, he went from an environment where learning was not valued at all to one where it was the highest priority. Higher education changed his life; it provided him the opportunity to develop his true potential and hone the skills necessary to achieve academic success.
2-3 p.m.
My Journey From a Small Country in East Africa to Happy Valley by Judith Mukaruziga
I was born and raised in Rwanda. I got married and joined my husband in Geneva Switzerland while he was working on his PhD. We came to Princeton NJ in 1977 for a 9 months assignment and we are still here!
Feminist Femme de Foyer by Sherrine Boseman Rives
I returned to graduate school after one attempt about twenty years ago. I was one class shy of my degree and made the decision to follow my husband as he pursued his dreams. I still believe I am a feminist.
Not Another American Dream: Just Love! by Flavia Barger
I came to USA to follow my heart without doubt – I was going to be happy beside the love of my life. I didn’t think twice to give up everything I built in Brazil to start a new life in USA. Since I’m confident and see myself as a strong and intelligent women I was able to come and become what I am today: an entrepreneur, a wife, a mom and a friend of a lot of people who never spoke my first language but opened their arms to receive me and support me in all ways.
For Much Forgiven Much Love by Tamboura Colbert
A graduate of Temple University and PSU, Tamboura did 11 years in state prison. Even with a history of mental health issues, homelessness, and substance abuse, he has transformed his life into a life of serving.
OUTSIDER: Holding on to Who You Are, Wherever You Are by Ashika Verriest
When people meet, one of the first questions they ask is “Where are you from?” This phrase often causes anxiety and awkwardness. For most, stability and home go hand in hand but what if like me, you’ve moved frequently to other cities, countries and even cross-continent? Personally, I feel like I’m part of a 30 year cultural exchange called home. Throughout my life, I have lived in India, Texas, Singapore, Michigan and New York to name a few and, despite adapting to different cultural norms, my individuality, my traditions and my sense of self enable me to be at home even in State College, PA.
3-4 p.m.
You May Never Be Prepared by Stephanie Whitesell
Having children is something Stephanie always knew she wanted. Little did she know that having a boy or girl did not mean the same thing at the time her children were born as it did when they grew into their authentic selves. Being a parent to a Transgender child has taught her more about life and love than she ever expected.
Dropping out and Coming Back into a PhD by Lynnicia Massenburg
An Island Girl’s Journey Through Abuse, Single Parenthood, a Ph. D., and Full Professorship by Susan Mohammed
Every day, Dr. Susan Mohammed lives out the miracle of being where and who her poor beginning never predicted she would be. As an island girl whose parents did not graduate from high school, she journeyed through abuse and single parenthood to a Ph.D. and full professorship. Her life story illustrates the hope that shattered lives can be dramatically transformed.
4-5 p.m.
She Don’t Wanna Be Saved by Ciara Newton
My older sister and myself were raised by our freckle-faced mother in Minneapolis, MN, where my family spent most of my childhood in low income housing. My mother was the first in the family to complete her graduate degree and instilled the importance of education in both of her children. Witnessing my only parent work against the academic system and succeed encouraged both my sister, and myself, to use education as a genuine and liberating form of power that will ultimately break the cycle of poverty, and addiction that has crippled our family history.
Social Media: The Choice is Yours by Megan Marshall
The college experience paired with a season of vulnerability and transition as a Division 1 athlete, social media became a place for approval and comparison while I suffered behind the scenes. Through the lens of my story as an athlete with mental health issues, I talk about how to use social media in a meaningful way as users and consumers.