Autumn Person, a Racial Justice in Urban Schooling (RJUS) minor and Urban Studies major is using her education to advance her career goals of empowering urban and Indigenous youth, families, and communities.

What drove you to enroll in the RJUS minor program?

I enrolled in the RJUS minor program after being referred by a coach from the Center for Academic Planning and Exploration! I was looking for a minor that would complement my Urban Studies degree and encompass my passion for education, racial justice, and policy. I was really attracted to the courses that emphasize culturally-responsive approaches to teaching and working in the community, so I decided to enroll. 

What do you hope to get out of the minor? How will it help you in your career path? 

I hope that this program will equip me with the knowledge and tools to serve Indigenous youth and communities. This program will help me work from an educational framework that respects and engages culture, language, and traditional knowledge in the classroom. This program will equip me to implement and advocate for education policies that address the needs and uplift the voices of urban youth, families, communities, and educators. 

Which part of the program have you found the most valuable?

This program has allowed me to take a wide array of classes such as ethnic studies, political science, and education courses. This has been a very valuable asset as it has expanded my worldview and perspectives on race and urban education. 

What has been your experience with the faculty?

The faculty have been very supportive of my professional, academic, and personal growth. They recognize and respect my Indigenous identity and create spaces where I can openly share my perspectives. They also challenge me to think critically about history, race, education policy, pedagogy, and how they interplay within urban education. 

Learn more about the RJUS minor program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.