Second year Master’s (MEd) student Wendy Moffatt’s research interests focus on the issues faced by first generation Caribbean-descent students as they try to access post-secondary education in Canadian institutions. Using a qualitative case study, Wendy will look at the experience of students through the lens of social linguistics and critical race theories to provide an analysis of how these experiences can impact their ability to gain access and command academic success while transitioning into their post-secondary education.

Wendy describes her experience in the program to date as ‘one that fulfills her academic and social aspirations in the York community’. “The Faculty’s program in Language, Culture and Teaching is deeply anchored in the application of socio-cultural perspectives to provide equity, diversity and social justice for all, including underserved populations such as first generation students of Caribbean descent,” she said. “This is extremely important in helping these students to fulfill their academic dreams to attend a post-secondary institution.”

Her advice to prospective graduate students interested in pursuing a MEd is to “come to York because the Graduate Program in Education is known for faculty who offers excellence in teaching and guidance to conduct quality research, which is a very big part of being successful academically.” “The program is designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas, interactions with staff and other graduate students, as well as the opportunity for you to develop professionally through various workshops,” she said.

Wendy’s future plans are to teach at the post-secondary level and to establish a private academic institution catering to the academic needs of all learners from diverse backgrounds who are challenged by the current public school curriculum.