Why Graduate School?

Luis A. Vazquez, Ph.D. Regents ProfessorAssociate Vice President for Research Integrity

New Mexico State University

MATC Scholars ProgramOctober 3 – 6, 2012

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

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Our Messages

There Must Be Hope:You Must Embrace Hope

to Have Courage

My Personal Trail:– Speaking Spanish– Special Education– Senior Class President– Going to College

• Never a shame in having a goal, Only a shame in not having a goal to reach for

• BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

• BE A HEALING PRESENCE

What is your Courage?

• Do not Criticize unless you have Something Better to Replace it

• Build for Eternity

• Produce Excellence

Philosophy of Success

Minority Student Challenges: Graduate School

• The Imposter Syndrome

– Am I really good enough?– Should I be here?– Do I belong?

The Ethnic/Racial Barometer among Minority Students

• CULTURAL AWARENESS– Language and Music– Cultural Preferences & History

• ETHNIC LOYALTY– Ethnic Pride and Affiliation– Perceptions of Discrimination

The Mediating Four : Micro-Aggressions

• SES does not dictate your life’s position• Culture does not dictate inclusion• Language does not dictate sensitivity• Color does not dictate racial consciousness

“BE A HEALING PRESENCE”

Faculty Communication

• Mentors

• Role Models

• Be the Example

• “Be a Healing Presence”

Leaders

• Make choices

• Perceive needs to be met

• Cannot do it alone

• Believe in the human potential

Leadership is Defined by Service

• Lead with compassion• Visionary• Mindfulness• Hard work• Weakness are often strengths• Critical assessment of knowledge• Believe in your mission

What Will Be Your Messages?Pay it Forward!

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Slide design © 2009, Mid-America Transportation Center. All rights reserved.

Luis A. Vazquez, Ph.D.

Regents Professor

Associate Vice President for Research Integrity

New Mexico State University

CREDITS