Academic coaching
Grad school is hard. In most cases, unnecessarily so. I have survived the reality and the truth of the University as a colonial institution, and I want to support other folks who are struggling in, with, against, and through it. I have developed a nuanced understanding of how the academy relates to the revolutionary struggles of the proletariat, Indigenous nations, and communities of color. Academic research often perpetuates oppression in the name of "rigor." As a system and a culture, such a widespread abuse of power can't seem to go away anytime soon, even though the higher education industry faces enormous demographic shifts. But we cannot give up on knowledge production altogether. I do believe in the framework of Research Justice, which "situate[s] community-driven research as a vehicle for the community to reclaim, own and wield all forms of knowledge and information as political ammunition in their own hands, in ways that are consistent with the community's unique cultural and spiritual identity, and values and traditions" (Miho Kim Lee 2015: xviii). I decided to pursue graduate degrees because I knew this was possible. I've organized my cohort, my department, my campus, and my discipline with this vision in mind. We needed each other just to survive, literally. I've lost a friend who was also my role model as a queer of color sociologist, and I am committed to keeping my colleagues alive and kicking. Everyone has a different journey, but I can help you through it. |
peer coaching worksheet
I created this peer coaching worksheet to proliferate a culture of peer coaching at the grassroots and institutional levels. The worksheet allows you to achieve clarity about your process, foster your sense of ownership, and empower you to drive the transformation you deserve. Below are some samples -- the full worksheet includes 20+ thought-provoking questions and activities! |
You can access and download the full worksheet from the button above.
This worksheet is intended for individual use in a peer-to-peer context only. By using this worksheet (i.e. filling it out and having a conversation about it), you have agreed to the Terms of Use (slide #4). |
mentorship and support services
What if you're entitled to critical feedback, without all the emotional struggles? I offer professional, personalized support services for anyone involved in critical knowledge production, within or beyond academia. My clients have worked with me on grad school applications, fellowship proposals, and thesis development -- and I always love making a difference in people's research projects in their emergent stages. Conventional academic advisorship can easily inflate the power dynamic, making the student-mentee feel small and sorry for simply asking for support. I don't know if I can really call it "mentorship" when I ask for money in return, but I think of the payment as a way to equalize the relationship. By using money as a form of mediation as well as acknowledgement of labor, I aim to let my clients feel entitled to my attention and care. I don't believe at all that money equals capital or that business equals impersonal. Of course, in an ideal world, we all should have free access to rigorous and empowering intellectual mentorship through the institution. But any serious, in-depth criticism requires labor that I'm not willing to volunteer. I take pride in offering my best, and I can help you take pride in your work. |
sample rates
By the Document
For a personal statement or fellowship proposal of 2,000 words or so, you can get my feedback over unlimited drafts for a flat rate of $199. This includes at least one Zoom session. |
By the Month
For larger projects like a master's thesis, research paper, or dissertation chapter, I can work with you with a retainer fee of $299 per month. I'll be available for regular check-ins and more immediate responses via text messages and phone calls. |
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