Student Voices - Graduate
Kari Lee Siko
Ph.D. in Education; Culture, Curriculum and Change
Class of 2008
Latrobe, Pennsylvania
My background
A Pennsylvania native, I earned my undergraduate degree in Secondary Education at Clarion University in Clarion, Pa. and my master’s degree in Secondary English Education at UNC-Wilmington. I entered the School’s Ph.D. program after teaching English for three years at Laney High School in Wilmington, N.C.
Why I chose education
I experienced personal setbacks as a result of the poor public school system in my area. I was placed low because I could not spell. By the time I reached high school, I was in all lower-level classes. My guidance counselor told me not to take the SAT, saying that a college education was not a realistic option for me. His advice turned out to be unfounded. As a result of these experiences, I knew I could make a difference for others and I especially wanted to motivate lower-level students. As an aspiring high school teacher, I felt that I could relate well to under-performing students. For these reasons, I went to college knowing I wanted to be a teacher.
Why I chose the UNC School of Education
When I was nine years old and living in Pennsylvania, I received a UNC sweatshirt as a gift. In my excitement, I announced to my parents, “I’m going there some day!” During my senior year of college, my dad coincidentally was transferred to North Carolina. After I completed my master’s degree at UNC-Wilmington and taught high school in Wilmington for a few years, I realized I wanted to be a teacher educator. The School of Education at UNC-Chapel Hill was the perfect place for me.
My experience
The Ph.D. in Education; Culture, Curriculum and Change program is a great environment because there are so many people from different backgrounds who are seeking careers in a variety of areas, whether that is higher education, educational policy or psychology. Despite our different career aspirations, we are able to find common ground in our studies and learn from each other’s experiences. Additionally, my advisor in the School is an amazing role model and ally. She has guided me throughout my four years here, helping me with my dissertation as well as my job search.
Student life
For me, student life has been a big part of my experience in the School of Education, particularly because of my involvement with the School’s Graduate Student Association (GSA). During my first year as a doctoral student, I began attending GSA meetings and events and was able to network with graduate students from other programs and years in the School. I became more involved when I served as social chair. Finally, this year I had the opportunity to serve as GSA president. These leadership experiences will help me later in my career. I am a strong advocate of active participation in student life because I believe students benefit when they form a strong connection between their student life and their classroom life.
In 10 years
I hope to be a dean of a school of education. Eventually, I would love to be chancellor of a university … but that might take more than 10 years!