51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏ

Focusing on her values empowered Ranjani Jagannath (MA, 2022) to achieve her educational goals during challenging times. Jagannath recently passed the New York Bar Exam, and aspires to use her qualifications in the field of public interest law. We asked Jagannath to share what she learned from her experiences as a GSWS graduate student.

Why did you decide to pursue a degree in GSWS? What attracted you to the program?

I decided to pursue a GSWS MA degree to fuel my passion for feminism. While I had lived experience that motivated me to be a part of the movement, I also realized, knowledge is power. The processes of unlearning socially conditioned ways and learning community-oriented feminist thinking were the most rewarding and unforgettable lessons I had the privilege to be a part of as a GSWS graduate student.

Did you face any challenges during your time at SFU? How did you approach them?

The biggest hurdle I faced during my time at 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏwas losing my mother to COVID. As a student during the pandemic, my first two semesters were online classes. Due to visa restrictions, I was unable to take the summer off and I completed the semester from India. My classes were usually in the middle of the night and I would work hospital shifts in the mornings, so many of those moments felt impossible. I relied on my own resilience and sought guidance from my professors and instructors at 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏ— especially Jen Marchbank, Natasha Patterson, and Habiba Zaman — who showed trust and compassion towards me during my most difficult times and made it possible for me to not only survive, but thrive, despite the hurdles I faced.

Can you tell us about your current position? How has your education in GSWS prepared you for what you do now?

After I graduated from SFU, I worked at Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon where I led the equitable hiring program and co-chaired the DEI committee. I also facilitated employee resource groups, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ groups. That was my first experience in a formal employment setting at a non-profit, and it motivated me to continue working for, and to serve, marginalized populations most in need. So, I decided to take up the New York Bar Exam and return to law practice. I am currently looking to serve public interest law and help individuals and families find accessible legal services for their needs.

Looking back at your university experience, what is one piece of advice you would give to current or potential students?

One piece of advice I would give students is allow your program at 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏto shape you personally and professionally, gain valuable guidance from your mentors and professors, find your purpose in your work, believe in your purpose and fight for it. Stay resilient.