Scholar and author Marcia Alesan Dawkins earned her Doctorate at University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts/Honors from Villanova University, a Master of Arts in Humanities & Social Thought from New York University and a Master of Arts in Communication from USC. She is currently Visiting Scholar at Brown University.
Why did you choose this career and life path?
Because I wanted to make a difference in the world by helping students understand the world around them and their places in it.
What do you enjoy the most about your career?
The life long relationships that I develop with students.
What is the greatest challenge?
Economics. The current climate makes it increasingly difficult to incorporate extra curricular activities into my lessons. Classes are increasingly crowded and resources are more limited.
In what ways has having so many degrees helped you personally and professionally? It gives me the credibility and opportunity to do things outside of the classroom – like writing. Personally, education has given me a self-confidence, a set of skills and a knowledge base that no one can take away from me.
What careers do people who major in communication pursue?
Advertising, marketing, public relations, entertainment and sports management, law, teaching, journalism, political advising … almost every career really.
What are the personality traits of people who thrive in those careers?
Being assertive, inquisitive, creative, expressive and intuitive.
What classes should students looking to major in communication take in high school?
English, social studies, math, science, music and art. All of these courses sharpen logic skills, allow students to work in different languages (i.e., letters, numbers, notes, etc.) and introduce them to different ways of telling stories and proving arguments.
What are the other things you do in addition to teaching?
I write books. I am also a freelance journalist and blogger.
How does that make you a better educator?
It keeps me fresh and sharp, so that I can bring current events and popular culture into the classroom and coursework.
What was your favorite part of your college experience? Did you have a favorite professor?
Definitely a favorite professor, Dr. Teresa A. Nance at Villanova University. I call her my “academic Mom” because she took an intellectual interest in me and inspired me to pursue my goals of graduate education. In fact, though I’ve been out of her classroom for over a decade she keeps in touch with me and continues to encourage me. She even came to my dissertation awards ceremony last year.
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That’s my sis! So proud