Jeeva Roche-Smith, Ph.D. Student Education in Language, Literacy & Culture: Language, Literacy & Culture Career plans: Literacy research and writing Major: B.Ed London UK; M.A., Education, UC Berkeley Home: Berkeley, CA

"I benefit greatly by opportunities to work on research projects related to my growing interest in adolescent literacy. I enjoy the range of classes offered and the flexibility of choice while fulfilling the degree requirements."

My background:
I lived in London after my parents emigrated from Mauritius in 1970. I am of south Indian/Sri Lankan origin. I've been a secondary school teacher, a preschool principal and owner, tutor for children and adult students diagnosed as dyslexic, a Montessori lecturer and examiner for nursery and primary school level teachers.

My reasons for choosing Berkeley:
When I came to Berkeley in 1995 I realized that I needed some American qualifications to continue to grow in my career here. So I visited the School of Education and discussed my needs with several professors. I was encouraged and impressed by the advice and support given. Initially, I joined the Advanced Reading Language Leadership Program to get a reading specialist credential, but was lured to the Ph.D. program by my interest in literacy research.

What I like about my program:
The program allows me to focus, given my wide experiences across different age groups. I benefit greatly by opportunities to work on research projects related to my growing interest in adolescent literacy. I enjoy the range of classes offered and the flexibility of choice while fulfilling the degree requirements. I am very appreciative of the strong support and availability of my advisors, as well as advice from other faculty in helping me reach my goals. I have had some great teachers, too.

My current work:
At the moment I am doing my research in an out-of-school context at an alternative site for learning for adolescents. The program is a digital storytelling program for youth which is part of the larger concept of narrowing the digital divide. I am interested in gaining insights that can influence the formal classroom to improve adolescent literacy and learning in today's world.

My advice to prospective students:
If you have been out of the academic arena for a while do not hesitate to contact the faculty. They are a great resource and they are very approachable and highly knowledgeable in their fields of research.

My impressions of the Bay Area:
I love Berkeley's Mediterranean climate and its proximity to many other interesting places in California. It reminds me of the cosmopolitan environment where I grew up; and I enjoy finding all the types of food that I love. It allows me to be me. This is a place where both my husband and daughter have flourished as well.

 

 

Resumé — Publications — Projects — Other Interests