My Academic Journey: Exploring Translation, Mathematics, and Lifelong Learning
As a lifelong learner and educator, my academic journey has been a fascinating voyage of discovery and exploration. The foundational wisdom I acquired from my early education informed my decisions and shaped my future endeavors, proving that with effort and perseverance, opportunities are within our reach.
Early Exploration and Subject Choices
From a young age, I had a bold outlook and a set of principles shaped by the words of the wise: if it is going to be, it is up to me. This guiding belief drove my choices in school, as I seized opportunities offered by teachers and took full advantage of the educational experiences available to me. My early academic path included a mix of traditional subjects such as mathematics and translation, which, while not common, have proved to be highly beneficial over time.
Mathematics and Translation: An Unconventional Choice
My interest in mathematics and translation was somewhat exotic, but it has served me well over the years. During my high school days, I chose to study computer science, a field that would later open doors to software engineering. This combination reflects my curiosity and openness to interdisciplinary fields, which often provide the most innovative solutions.
Secondary Education
After high school, I pursued a bachelor’s degree, during which I was required to choose two subjects to study intensively for two years. At that critical juncture, my passion led me to opt for software engineering over hardware engineering, understanding that software could be more rewarding and versatile in my future endeavors.
Early School Years
My education began with a curriculum that covered a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, science, Hindi, English, social science, Sanskrit (until 8th grade), moral science, general knowledge, and computer studies. This comprehensive education laid a strong foundation for my academic journey.
High School and Beyond
With high school, the subjects shifted towards more specialized areas such as biology, chemistry, and physics, complemented by English and physical education. This shift marked the beginning of my specialization and preparation for further education.
Continuous Learning and Academic Advancements
While the subjects I studied in school are now part of the public domain, there were aspects, such as Black History and Culture, that I encountered less frequently, enriching my understanding of the human experience.
Beyond High School
As a 70-year-old college professor with multiple degrees and extensive life experience, listing all the subjects I've studied would be a daunting task. My academic journey has been a continuous pursuit of knowledge, fueled by my inherent curiosity.
Lifelong Learning
During my childhood, I was not just a student but also a self-taught reader. Around age 5, I began reading, a habit that has stayed with me. I have always been interested in both fiction and non-fiction, and my parents instilled in me a love for exploration through visits to museums, battlefields, monuments, and national parks. Beyond the standard subjects, my education also included playing the piano, singing in a church choir, and attending concerts, plays, and movies.
Formal Education and Specializations
As an undergraduate, I pursued majors in secondary education, history, and drama. In addition, I took elective courses in psychology, philosophy, literature, comparative religion, and more, reflecting my broad and interdisciplinary approach to learning. I also delved into extracurricular reading and engaged in political activism and feminist causes.
Advanced Degrees and Interests
For my master’s degree, I focused on drama and education before switching to communication. My desire to learn more led me to take almost every course at the graduate level in various aspects of communication. I also continued my reading in art history and music and visited historical sites, museums, and concert halls.
Doctorate and Modern Curiosity
My doctoral studies encompassed courses in my primary area of communication along with film studies. I added courses in media studies and American studies and continued to read extensively for my dissertation and my general research areas, including rhetoric and film. My reading extended to myth, non-fiction, and fiction, covering science, philosophy, and politics. Throughout my teaching career in various universities, I explored new subjects, enriched by my experiences living in different countries such as Wales and Mexico, which broadened my perspective on historical and cultural subjects.
Enduring Passion for Learning
Today, I still love to read, learn, and increase my knowledge about old and new subjects. There is no subject that I find too boring, just some I don’t fully understand, such as advanced topics in mathematics and science. My love for learning has remained unwavering since my childhood. I look forward to continuing this journey until the end of my days.