Hello everyone! We'd like to start off our first A Day in the Life segment this year with Katya Armistead. Many of you may know Katya from her position as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director, Office of Student Life (OSL). However, Katya is also a graduate student (and much more) in the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education and recently advanced to doctoral candidacy. Katya was kind enough to answer a few of our questions and provide a little personal insight.
A Day in the Life: Katya Armistead
Discipline / Emphasis: Joint Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership / Educational Leadership ED.D
Research Interests / Goals: African American students and leadership
What’s it like enduring the grind of being a graduate student for you?
Being a graduate student is very different for me than being an undergrad. First, I am much more prepared and excited about the learning. It is much easier for me to focus and value the experience. On the other hand it is challenging to juggle the responsibility of being a student, full time staff member, and a mother, wife, and friend.
What’s been a source for motivation and / or drive for you?
The feeling of accomplishment is my greatest motivation. I was a terrible undergraduate. Just as I was figuring out how to be a successful student it was time for me to graduate. Completing my doctorate is my "do over" and chance to prove to myself that I can be successful academically.
Name the accomplishment you are most proud of, and why?
As I just successfully defended my proposal, that is something that I am extremely proud of at this moment! Starting a dissertation is daunting and I had my doubts that I would ever get this far. Oh, and my kids are something to be proud of as well! I have a 15 year-old high school freshman and an 18 year-old freshman in college. Both are amazing with their vast interests, care for people, and intelligence.
What makes you, you?
What makes Katya, Katya? Probably my energy, enthusiasm to get involved, and desire to make a difference makes me who I am. I pride myself in being good at my job and putting in 100% while also being present with my kids and husband. In addition to work, school, and home, I am actively involved in the community by sitting on community boards of directors and committees. I am a mentor to three girls in the community and I volunteer whenever I have time. My philosophy is not to divide my time between my interests but instead to combine them. I think my work, my family, my school, and my community all benefit from my involvements.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Pasadena, California. But I have been in Santa Barbara for over 20 years now.
What’s a guilty pleasure of yours?
My guilty pleasure is eating chocolate and playing soccer. Playing soccer is only guilty because I am so busy and probably should be studying at the times I’m playing soccer!
What’s playing in your iPod right now?
I have eclectic musical taste. I like old school R&B and hip hop, as well as rock. My son keeps me hip with the latest music – he is a freshman at Berkeley and is a fan of music. Lupe Fiasco was one of his latest introductions to me.
Any advice or final thoughts?
Remember to nurture yourself and at the same time to not take yourself too seriously. I'm in this for the service. I find I am happiest when helping others and so I need to make sure whatever I do I am staying true to my passion and values. Everyone should do an inventory on their values and goals and stay true to self!