Graduate Student Focus | Kate Benchoff

The portfolio project was interesting for me because I hadn’t planned early on what I would focus on, so I had to do a bit of reflection to find the common thread throughout my scholarly work.

Having said that, philosophy quickly emerged as a common denominator, and once I identified that in a general way, it didn’t take long to see the connections and build on them. My adviser, Aaron Angello, was a godsend, and his support and encouragement were helpful beyond measure.

I was also lucky to work with Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Allen as my other two reviewers, and while I went into the defense a little intimidated and nervous because of their expertise, they responded to my ideas with such interest and enthusiasm that I ended up really enjoying the conversation.

I was immediately attracted to the cross-curricular approach to the humanities that Hood offers, and taking courses in a wide variety of disciplines was both challenging and world-opening. Also, Hood College’s humanities program is really designed to accommodate all kinds of students, including professionals who work full time (like me). The campus is convenient and the courses are affordable—it was a natural fit.

The classes! Graduate school is such an amazing opportunity to connect with thoughtful, interesting, curious people. I may have occasionally dreaded writing papers during stressful weeks or procrastinated working on difficult or complex projects, but I always, always looked forward to class.

I can’t emphasize enough how useful and meaningful the humanities program has been to my teaching. There have been times when I take a reading, assignment or lesson from my coursework and adapt it for my students in the same week. Anyone in the field of the humanities knows that there are these enormous points of intersection between the various disciplines, and being able to explore those intersections is powerful. Students (including myself) love those moments of real connection—when they recognize a theory, work or idea that they encountered in a different course and see the connections to what they’re learning now.

But the most impactful way that attending Hood College has benefitted my work as a college professor is that it has reminded me what it feels like to be on the other side of the classroom. I know what it feels like to be intimidated or to worry if you’re good enough to succeed.

I know how overwhelming it can be to juggle work, home and school, and how even navigating things like finding your way around campus is uncomfortable at first. I hope that being reminded of what it feels like to be a student will help me more directly address some of those experiences that new students face and to translate that experience into compassionate, student-centered teaching.

Inspired by Kate’s stories and ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn about Hood’s graduate programs, including the humanities program, by clicking here.