April 3, 2023
Wanting to become an advocate for students who are underrepresented, Elijah Craft is ready for a career in education with his degree from Shawnee State University.
“I chose this major so that I can help students and be an advocate for students that are underrepresented,” he said. “I also look to add diversity to schools and model how to persevere even when things seem to be stacked against you. I never had an African-American male teacher to look up to or ask difficult questions. As a result, I had to figure out the answers to the questions for myself the hard way, so I want to be that teacher for diverse and marginalized students. I believe that exposing all students to diversity is key to truly understanding one another for who they are.”
Finding support on campus, Craft is thankful for those student services that pushed him towards completing his degree.
“In my years at Shawnee, the person who has helped me the most is Austin Raines in Career Services,” he said. “I was faced with a situation that could have made me graduate way later than expected, and he helped me find alternatives to graduate on time and was a big voice for me, and I am super appreciative of Austin.”
Collaborating with the Office of Career Services, SSU’s Women’s & Gender Equity Center is celebrating students who “Flip the Script” on gender stereotypes and enter the programs they are passionate about. Throughout the week, the center will be sharing several spotlights to encourage others to “Flip the Script”.