Job shadowing or informational interview: 4 points

 Conducting an informational interview with Sade Tate, a school psychologist, gave me a deeper understanding of what educational psychology looks like in practice and the impact it can have on Black students. One key point she emphasized was the importance of considering cultural context when evaluating student behavior. Oftentimes, Black children are misunderstood or labeled in ways that limit their potential and learning experience. This interview reinforced the importance of having psychologists who understand the lived experiences of Black youth. Her insights challenged me to think critically about how systems can unintentionally contribute to the school to prison pipeline when cultural awareness is absent.

The interview also contributed significantly to my personal and academic growth. Hearing Ms.Tate speak about her career path and the strategies she uses to advocate for students helped me see myself in this field. I realized that I am drawn to work that combines psychology, advocacy, and cultural responsiveness. I also learned that I value creating safe, affirming spaces for Black children where their strengths are recognized and their challenges are met with understanding rather than punishment.

I left the interview thinking about how I can apply these lessons in real-world contexts. As someone interested in promoting social justice through psychology and media, I want to use my future work to elevate the voices of Black children and advocate for practices that prioritize their mental health and well-being. Increasing the presence of Black women in educational psychology is essential to this mission because representation ensures that students are seen, understood, and not funneled into harmful systems. 

-Zaria Samuel