Leslie Escobar

How did you choose your specific area of study?

Like many of my classmates and colleagues, I discovered Student Affairs as an undergrad while attending the University of Mary Washington. I am a Hispanic first-generation woman who attended a predominately white institution, and I struggled a lot the first couple of semesters with academics and building a sense of community. Later on, I became involved with the James Farmer Multicultural Center at UMW, and I fell in love with Social Justice and Diversity work. Eventually, I became very involved as a student leader and worker on campus.

I completed an internship my senior year at the JFMC, and after talking in-depth with the Director, I realized I loved education and DEI work. I went on to apply to different MA programs for Student Affairs and chose Mason because of the size and diversity of the student population. I graduate this May, but I hope to continue to make the field of education more equitable and inclusive.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

My academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impacted me greatly on a developmental level. I excelled at my coursework, and I felt a sense of pride and fulfillment that I hadn't achieved as an undergraduate. As an undergrad, I suffered a lot from imposter syndrome, and I never felt that I lived up to my potential. My current department made it possible for me to grow academically, professionally, and personally.

Of which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud?

I had a lot of amazing opportunities and accomplishments at Mason! A few of them include:

- Excelling at my coursework and graduating with a 3.98 GPA
- Being a Graduate Professional Assistant for the Student Transition Empowerment Program and at the Center for Culture, Equity, and Empowerment
- Being the Advisor for the Hispanic Latino Leadership Alliance (HLLA)
- Serving on the President-Student Advisory Group, Contemporary Student Advisor Board, and being a General Assembly Representative in GASPA
- Becoming a member of Pi Gamma Mu

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

I had a lot of amazing professors in my program that built me up as a person, not just as a student. I came into the program afraid that I would not be prepared for graduate work. As a first-generation student, undergrad was scary, but grad school seemed even more foreign and frightening. My professors were great at giving me constructive feedback on assignments and were always willing to help me outside of class. I had never been someone that spoke up in class; I am painfully shy. But most of my professors facilitated great conversations during classes, and they valued everyone's opinions and views. It felt amazing to be able to contribute in class without feeling that a professor would correct me or embarrass me. My professors were respectful and kind, and I appreciate them so much!

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?

My most important piece of advice for incoming students is that Mason accepted you for a reason. Graduate students often face imposter syndrome, and it is difficult to navigate those feelings. Your feelings are so valid. But never believe that you are not smart enough for graduate school. Your acceptance into Mason is a testament that your program wanted you! You belong here, and you will do amazing!

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

I am currently applying for full-time roles in education; I am specifically looking for a position that has a heavy emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. I plan to pursue my doctorate in a year or two, so I will be back to school soon!

My long-term goals include working in policymaking for education and eventually becoming president of a university. Hispanic women have almost no representation in upper administration in higher education, and I would love to have a hand in changing that.