Megan MA '19, Urban Studies

How does the prop you brought represent you?

In our current social climate, being a black woman is a part of my identity that I cling to and celebrate, now more than ever before. I love being able to inspire young people of color to follow their passions and help them see their education as a springboard for their promising futures

How would you describe courage in one sentence?

Courage is doing what God has purposed you to do – even if it means you have to do it afraid.

How did getting your degree require courage?

I am still in the in the process of obtaining my degree, but this journey thus far has required a lot of courage. I went through some difficult times during my second semester and I had to have the courage to put my education on hold and focus on getting myself in a better space to be able to give what was required to be successful in the program. What I believe took even more courage was pushing through the self-doubt and re-applying after taking a semester off. What I love about the MAUS (Master of Arts in Urban Studies) program is that you are surrounded by believers who want to see you excel and walk in your purpose. There was no judgment, just a warm and welcoming embrace.

How does your current job or career path require courage?

Having the responsibility of guiding former out-of-school-youth to promising career pathways has shown me how difficult yet rewarding it can be to step out of your comfort zone. I facilitate classes that help my students navigate their next steps after obtaining their GED and provide them with career and college readiness skills. It has required me to find the strength and courage within myself to stand before a group of young people who have been constantly told what they could not achieve, and convey to them that there is a promising future ahead of them and walk through what steps they can take to start that journey. I am able to inspire them to find the courage to reclaim their education and strive toward a better tomorrow.

How did EU help you become more courageous in your thinking and actions?

EU has allowed me to dig deeper into my passions for out-of-school youth and education. Having professors and classmates who are like-minded and compelled by the love of Christ to do what they were purposed to do inspires me strive for better so I can give the very best of myself to my students. The more I learn, the more empowered I am to make a lasting impact on the youth I work with.

Where do you hope courage will lead you in the future?

I hope that in the future, my courage continues to push me to inspire out-of-school youth in urban communities to see beyond the limitations and societal norms that seek to keep them at a disadvantage. It took me some time to see past those limitations myself and I want to be able to create spaces for them to gain the skills and knowledge to advance them in their education, career, and in life.