Stefani was a student in an introductory ethics course I taught at UC Santa Cruz, but because it was a large course with teaching assistant support, it wasn't until a year later, when she turned up in a course for which I was a teaching assistant, that I got to know her. She was a great contributor in class, both because of her thoughtfulness regarding the material and because of her training in cognitive science. She was also eager to grow as a thinker and writer, putting admirable effort into the writing assignments for the course, and has the drive, ability, and kindness that makes for a great life.
What Stefani says about herself:
I am Nicaraguan and white and grew up in the Bay Area, spending most of my childhood collecting bugs and lizards in the vast frontier of my backyard. When I am not at school, I enjoy scenic drives, hiking through the forest, reading mystery books, laughing, meeting and conversing with people, and writing poetry. I also love to work with kids and animals.
I have always loved to debate and ask deeper questions, so I found a home in philosophy, but because I am also interested in understanding how the brain works, and specifically human cognition, I am currently a double major in philosophy and cognitive science at UC Santa Cruz. I am also a member of the Brain, Mind, and Consciousness (or BMC) Society, an interdisciplinary learning environment that discusses all things relevant to human consciousness. I am also part of M.E.S.H., or Mixed Ethnicities Student Headquarters, which hosts campus events for all students in an effort to celebrate diversity. After college I might like to go to grad school or pursue a career in cognitive science, hopefully in research pertaining to dreaming or psychopathy. Farther into the future I hope to become an educator, most likely a middle school teacher. I'd also like to travel to every continent, but especially to Norway, Ireland, Nicaragua, Egypt and Japan.
What Stefani says about working with Amena:
My experience working with Amena has been delightful. The first time I walked into my freshman Intro to Ethics class and she began to teach, she became an influential role model in my academic career. For me, seeing a young woman working so hard to pursue a PhD in philosophy (one of my original goals), was absolutely inspirational. In addition to that, the way she taught was very admirable: always respectful of students' thoughts, never condescending, great at covering the critical aspects of the material, and all the while being witty and fun. I also appreciate her comprehensive knowledge of the material, ability to engage everyone critically, and also have students regularly work together to gain a better understanding of the increasingly difficult concepts at hand.
As a sophomore, I had the pleasure of working with Amena again, when she was the teaching assistant for an upper division course on the Rationalists. Because we met in a smaller discussion section, it was easier for us to discuss the material at length and Amena did a great job conducting these meetings. She started meetings with a free write, which was extremely helpful not only during section meetings, but also in preparing for writing essays. Then she guided the discussion with critical questions about the readings. On some occasions the discussion would even become heated, but Amena gracefully pulled it back and refocused on the topic at hand.
In addition, through attending office hours, I got to know Amena on a more personal level. She helped me organize my thoughts and plan my essays. She also gave me insight into life as a graduate student and the things I should consider before taking that leap. I really appreciate her because she provided an outstanding learning experience, not only in the classroom, but beyond it as well.