OISE graduation stories: Reflections from Deanna Fiahlo, M.Ed.
June 4, 2012
When Deanna Fialho arrived at OISE in 2010 she had an undergraduate degree in Sociology from Carleton University and years of professional experience at a marketing firm under her belt. She decided to take a chance and quit her job, beginning what turned out to be an unforgettable journey of academic and personal growth.
About the experiences she valued most during her studies at OISE, she remarked, “I have met teachers who embody the true nature of empowering their students to succeed, many of whom I am proud to call my friends. I have met students from across Canada and the world, who believe in public education—all of us debating the future of public education in class and in text in ways that have allowed me to expand my thinking beyond what I thought was possible. Many people speak of the academic success and growth one will achieve through a Master’s program, however little is said about the personal and interpersonal connections you will make along the way. OISE provided me the knowledge to put my ideas forward in an ever-changing arena with ever-depleting resources that we face in public education in Ontario and beyond; but this knowledge stands on strong relationships I have built with my peers, and in taking a chance to follow what I really love.”
Throughout her degree studies, Deanna was very focused on classes, professors and workshops that created spaces for discussion and knowledge building around equity and diversity. Given her academic and professional interest in equity and diversity in schooling, Deanna felt that the work of Professor Jim Ryan impacted her the most. “His work put words to thoughts and feelings I’ve had my whole life as a student, in my career and at OISE. Beyond being a beautiful writer, Jim’s quest for social justice in education is the reality I strive for wherever I go in public education. His ability to depict the marginalized with such accuracy and hope for the future should enlighten everyone in education to keep striving toward change no matter what the barriers to such a direction,” she said.
Deanna will graduate on June 7 with a M.Ed. in Educational Administration (Collaborative Educational Policy Program). Deanna's story is just one of 372 stories of OISE students convocating with MA, M.Ed, PhD and Ed.D degrees on June 7.
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