On May 14, UW–Madison will celebrate its Spring 2022 Commencement. We reached out to a few of our students who are graduating from programs in the School of Education to learn about their favorite UW–Madison memories and future plans. Following is a Q&A with Na Lor, who is graduating with a PhD in educational leadership and policy analysis.
Where are you from, and what brought you to UW–Madison?
I grew up in Wisconsin, but I was born in a refugee camp in Thailand. My family is from Laos, and we are Hmong. What brought me to UW–Madison was a combination of sheer luck and hard work. As a first-generation college student, I had little capital to rely on in making higher education decisions, but I applied and started my undergraduate career here at UW–Madison, which would eventually lead me to a PhD.
Why did you decide to pursue graduate study?
My decision to pursue graduate study was rooted in the idea that an advanced degree in education would better enable me to improve the human condition. I intend on using the degree to contribute to the wellbeing of others through research, teaching, service, and partnerships with local community schools and organizations.
Tell us about your research.
My research examines inequity in higher education from a cultural perspective. I am especially interested in universities as sites of enculturation and knowledge transmission. Specifically, I problematize the cultural displacement and erasure that often transpires in the process of becoming college educated, and I aim to advance culturally sustaining pedagogies in higher education learning.
"First, never dim the light of others. The degree will have your name alone on it, but it takes the effort of so many to realize that achievement. Second, never dim your light for the sake of others. Embrace and aim to be your authentic self; you are more valuable to the institution than you know!"
What was your most meaningful experience at UW–Madison?
One of my most meaningful experiences at UW–Madison was taking courses with and getting to know Dr. Clifton Conrad. He is one of the first who encouraged me to chase my burning questions, which led me to the realization that the things I was curious about were researchable and worthwhile pursuits. It is professors, like Dr. Conrad, who make students feel their ideas and identities are not only safe but welcome and valued that can make all the difference in one’s educational journey. So, thank you, Dr. Conrad, among many, many others!
What class or professor had the greatest impact on you, and why?
Mixed methods research with Dr. Xueli Wang is the class and professor that had the greatest impact on me. As doctoral students we are often expected to align ourselves with one methodological tradition over another, but this class helped me to uncover the strengths of combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Dr. Wang was also the first professor with whom I had the privilege and honor of working with on an NSF-funded longitudinal mixed methods research study, so it was fitting that this would be one of the last courses I took toward the end of the doctoral program. She continues to be an advisor, mentor, and s/hero!
What advice would you give to incoming students?
First, never dim the light of others. The degree will have your name alone on it, but it takes the effort of so many to realize that achievement. Second, never dim your light for the sake of others. Embrace and aim to be your authentic self; you are more valuable to the institution than you know!
What are your favorite “hidden gems” on campus or in Madison?
My favorite hidden gems in Madison are the pumpkin patches and apple picking farms in the fall. There are a few different options, but be prepared to have the best caramel apples, hot apple cider, and pumpkin bars!