Gina Diamond
I had been threatening to go back to school for quite some time. I just had not found the right program. I had been working in higher education as an academic/career counselor. I served international, refugee, and immigrant students for the first part of my career, and then I worked with undergraduates studying at the University of Washington’s Program on the Environment. My entire career has been the direct result of having poor educational experiences and wanting to turn my misfortune into something positive. Through coaching and mentoring college students, I have been fortunate to see the power of education firsthand and believe it can change lives for the better, which ultimately can change all of humankind.
Although I loved my career, I began to feel that I wanted to do some of the work that my students were doing upon graduation. As a result, I began looking for graduate programs. Most of what I found was, in my opinion, too narrow and/or required a high GRE score as an entrance requirement. That was until I magically received a postcard-sized flier from the Institute for Humane Education. I immediately went to IHE’s website and found that, not only does their Master’s degree cover all the topics that I think must be included if we are to truly create a peaceful and sustainable future, but their educational philosophy also appeared extremely student-centered and solution-focused.
When I started the program, I knew immediately that every student was valued, their learning style accommodated, and their curiosity and interests nurtured. As a professional educator, I was aware of how rare it is to find these qualities in an institute of higher education. I eagerly began the life-changing process of being a student once again in the most supportive educational experience of my lifetime.
What I love about the Master of Education in Humane Education is that it not only teaches human rights, environmental ethics, and animal protection as an interconnected discipline, but it also allows the student to learn how to successful educate others about the most pressing issues of our time. When I remember to apply all four elements of humane education, I find that I am a much better communicator, and people tend to be more open to embracing new information and making positive choices.
Although the faculty were upfront about their biases, they always provided the space I needed to derive at my own conclusions. They didn’t try to make the students carbon copies of themselves, but rather empowered individuals who strive to “do the most good and the least harm” however that might be defined. I am now extremely well-informed, able to think critically about the trade-offs associated with making eco-friendly choices, and willing to have compassion for those that exhibit actions which appear inhumane.
My degree has been put to work in many different avenues. I have made several changes in my own life as a direct result of the knowledge I gained from my classmates and instructors. Since graduation, I have opened my own eco-coaching business through which I help people make life-affirming choices at home, work, school, and at play that benefit self, others, animals, and the natural world. I recently received a request to submit a book proposal to a local publishing company, focusing on a holistic green kitchen guide. I also am very active in a grassroots neighborhood group working to slow global climate change. Clients and employers seem to be especially interested in my unique background, because IHE offers the only degree of its kind in the United States.
Although my leaning and growth will never cease, participating in this program increased my knowledge base and sharpened my skills and strengths. I am grateful that I have been given the tools to contribute to the local and global society on such a meaningful and profound level.
August 30, 2008 - 8:30 am to August 31, 2008 - 4:00 pm | Location: Farm Sanctuary
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