Take courses that push you to think differently, even if they feel outside your comfort zone.
— Blessing Owusu
Blessing Owusu
Educator and children's book author
BA ’17 , Department of Social Science
BEd ’19, Faculty of Education
MEd ’24, Faculty of Education
LA&PS alumna, Blessing Owusu was named one of York University’s 2025 Top 30 Alumni Under 30, recognized among a distinguished group of young leaders making a meaningful impact around the world. In recognition of her achievement, we connected with Blessing to better understand how her experience as an Interdisciplinary Social Science graduate contributed to where she is today.
How did your degree in Interdisciplinary Social Science help get you where you are today?
This program gave me a solid base in understanding how different parts of society work together—education, policy, race, class and gender. It helped me think critically about the world around me and gave me the tools to question systems, find patterns and create solutions. These are skills I use daily as an educator and in my equity work. It also shaped how I approach teaching by encouraging me to think about students’ full experiences, not just academics.
What career did you dream of pursuing in undergrad, and where did your professional path take you after graduation?
I always wanted to be an educator. That never changed. My time in the program confirmed that goal and helped me find the kind of teacher I wanted to be—one focused on equity, inclusion and student voice. After graduating from the Interdisciplinary Social Science program, I went on to earn my Bachelor of Education and have been teaching ever since. I recently completed my Master of Education as well. Through my master’s Major Research Project (MRP), I published a children’s book, Abena’s Adventures: A Taste of Home, which is now used as a resource in various school boards to support culturally responsive teaching.
What skills or knowledge from the Interdisciplinary Social Science program have been most beneficial in your career?
The biggest skills were critical thinking, communication and the ability to see issues from multiple angles. I learned how to ask better questions, break down complex problems and bring in different perspectives. These skills show up in everything I do—lesson planning, classroom discussions, working with the school board, other educators and developing resources. The program also helped me build strong writing and research skills, which I’ve used in both teaching and academic work.
In what ways have the network and connections you made during your studies helped you in your career?
The connections I made at York have continued to support me well beyond graduation. Some of my professors became mentors and provided strong references that helped me move forward in both academic and professional spaces. I’ve stayed in touch with several classmates—some have become collaborators on projects, others close friends. Being part of the York University Education Alumni Network has also helped me stay connected to new opportunities, events, and initiatives that support ongoing professional growth.
What advice do you have for first-year Interdisciplinary Social Science students?
Keep an open mind and use your time to explore. The program is broad on purpose—use that to your advantage. Take courses that push you to think differently, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Ask questions, get involved in things happening on campus, and look for ways to connect what you're learning to real-life situations. Also, don’t wait until the end of your degree to think about your career—start building experiences early through volunteering, part-time work, or student leadership. Every course, conversation, or campus role can shape how you understand the world and help you figure out where you want to make an impact.