Hi, I’m Jennifer Diascro.
I’ve spent most of the last 30 years working with college students. I have a PhD in political science and my greatest joy as an academic has been to support undergraduates in and out of the classroom. Teaching in my area of expertise is extremely gratifying, but even more meaningful to me is imparting the critical thinking skills that young adults need to reach their potential in school and in life more generally. College is about so much more than the subjects studied; it’s about the relationships formed, the challenges faced, the opportunities taken, the mistakes made, and the happiness, sadness, fear, triumph, and failure that are all integral parts of the college experience. When students learn to reflect on these experiences, ask questions and challenge assumptions, gather and evaluate information, and manage ambiguity and nuance, they develop strong decision making capabilities that will serve them throughout their lives.
These skills are especially important because life is not a straight line; it takes lots of unexpected and sometimes unwanted twists and turns. And it can be very difficult to navigate them.
I’ve experienced my own winding — and at times unwelcome — path. I chose a college that I was sure I wanted to attend and headed off to major in psychology. My dad was a psychologist; it sounded cool. In my second year, I realized the university was not for me and so I transferred to a campus close to home, where I lived for the remaining three years. Lots of people judged me for this. And, yes, three more years because after taking my first political science class as a junior, I switched majors. It took me nearly one extra year to graduate. My dad had concerns! I wanted to go to law school, but it was too expensive, so I opted for graduate school instead. There might have been (read: definitely was) an expectation that I’d continue school rather than find a job, so that’s what I did. I enjoyed but struggled in grad school and almost left at the end of my second year (what is it about second years in school?), but I made it. What came next was a mix of success and failure, happiness and joy, sadness and disappointment, as I earned tenure, got married, moved cities and jobs, had children, was denied tenure, lost both of my parents, changed career paths, then returned to academia. Most recently, I resigned from a position I enjoyed but a work environment that was misaligned with my professional and personal values and goals. Now I get to spend my time doing what I love most: supporting college students as they navigate the opportunities and challenges on campus and beyond.
And so, one turn. And another. And another. Each bringing with it uncertainty and vulnerability. And opportunities. We just need the critical thinking skills to navigate it all.
Life is full of twists and turns, and forks in the road. Unpleasant at times. Scary, to be sure. But an adventure worth experiencing to its fullest.
I look forward to supporting you in your great adventure!
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