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Khadijah Frederick
MA in Youth Studies; BA in Liberal Studies; Child Development Associate Certificate
Class of 2024, 2020, and 2017
Can you talk about your experience in the CDA program?
When I took the CDA course in 2018, I just needed 16-18 Ed credits for work but I didn't realize that I would learn so much from that program and how it would change me and become the catalyst I needed to get me back in to school to finish my degree. It changed my perspective and truly made me a better educator. I didn't go on to become certified by OCFS but it sparked something else in me. Now I am 3 classes away from the finish line, I'm so excited to close this chapter and proud of myself for finally seeing this through. I owe so much to the knowledge I learned from you and the other professors in the CDA program. Those courses taught me tools that I use in my trainings and orientations with my current and perspective staff. It became more than a minor licensing requirement for work and DOH, it sparked me to take my education further.
What were some of the most defining aspects of your time at CUNY SPS?
CUNY SPS profoundly influenced my approach to learning, transforming me into a true scholar. The institution instilled in me a rigorous thought process and a passion for academic exploration.
What is the best piece of advice, or most important thing you learned at CUNY SPS?
Returning to school amidst the world's challenges is an incredibly brave endeavor, whether the break was 3 months, 10 years, or it's your first academic pursuit. CUNY SPS recognizes and supports this bravery: “You Felt Seen.” Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I reminded myself, "Don't panic, JUST BELIEVE." Belief in our ability to navigate and complete the academic journey, gaining knowledge, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment, is crucial.
Who influenced you the most? Please feel free to include anyone from the CUNY SPS community including faculty, staff, or fellow classmates.
Dr. Regina Bernard, Dr. Elizabeth Bishop, and Dr. LaKersha Smith were significant influences, but the entire faculty at CUNY SPS was exceptional. They were intelligent, affirming, and diverse, reflecting the student body and making us feel seen and valued. The leadership of Dr. Sarah Zeller-Berkman in the Youth Studies Department was also pivotal in my experience.
How has your CUNY SPS influenced your current job, and your career overall?
CUNY SPS altered my career trajectory. After over 25 years working in youth and community development, the master's program faculty demonstrated the value of educating practitioners. This inspired me to pursue a role as a program manager at CUNY City Tech, with aspirations of becoming academic faculty, which has come to fruition as I was offered a position as adjunct faculty for the Spring 2025 semester at CUNY SPS, teaching Program, Professional & Family Dynamics (EDUC 203) in the CDA program and Foundations of Human Relations (HRL 200) in the Human Relations Department. I also support new students as a peer mentor for the BA in Youth Studies program at CUNY SPS, guiding them through their academic journey. Additionally, I was honored to receive the 2024 "Outstanding New Continuing Education Professional" Award, a recognition of my dedication to workforce readiness and community development education.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
As an adjunct instructor teaching Family Development at City Tech, I find immense reward in helping students understand the importance of humanizing youth & community development and social service work. My students are a blessing, and I learn from them as much as I teach. The lessons from my CUNY SPS professors inform my teaching with care and transparency, and they helped hone my teaching style and approach.
Additionally, I have been honored to speak at educational conferences as an authority on social health, sharing insights into how recognizing support and stressors enhances life focus and vision. This opportunity to teach, mentor, and receive recognition brings my experiences full circle, allowing me to combine my academic knowledge, professional expertise, and passion for student success.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I envision myself with a doctorate, teaching at the collegiate level, and consulting with nonprofit community-based organizations on programming implementation, policies, ethics, and procedures within a DEI framework.
OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
- What show/s are you currently watching? I love Star Trek (all of the old stuff like Deep Space Nine and Next Generation, also the current stuff “Lower Deck” and “Picard”), but currently, I am watching One Piece which is an Anime
- What is your favorite meal? Seafood, Pasta, and any rice dish
- Favorite or most recent book you read? Mother of Invention (a short story) by Nnedi Okorafor
- Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, none, all? I have them all
- List 3 things you would bring to a deserted island. Solar-powered smart device, water, skin protectant (I'm assuming I can eat off the land)