Mardoche Telusma, Graduate Student in the Department of Psychology (Clinical Psychology; College of Health Sciences), is ATL’s February 2024 Graduate Student Spotlight.

What is your proudest teaching moment?
For their final assignment, my students explored multiculturalism, covering topics like alternative mental health approaches and the mental health of immigrants and refugees. The assignment aimed to hone critical thinking and research skills, and reflection on integrating newfound knowledge into their personal and career goals. Throughout the semester, we delved into multiculturalism discussions, i.e., intersectionality in psychology and the link between socioeconomic status and mental health. Witnessing my students’ growth in critical analysis during their final assignment and their vulnerability in the reflection portion of the paper was truly impressive. I wish I could hang up everyone’s paper on my fridge, so all my guest can see how amazing my students are! Most of my students aspire to work in healthcare. I am excited to hopefully cross paths with them to see how they have become leaders in multiculturalism in their affiliated fields.

What is one piece of teaching advice that you have received that you would like to
pass on to others?
One piece of teaching advice I have received and want to pass on is the importance of incorporating your identity into teaching. While there may be many professors you wish to emulate, nothing is more authentic, genuine, and wholesome than integrating your own identity into your teaching style. Thank you, Dr. John Robinson, for that advice!

What are three qualities that you think make a great teacher?

• Humility – so that you may be humble and adapt as your learn from your students and colleagues
• Communication – students come from all different educational paths. You must be able to communicate in various forms so that every student receives equitable forms of course materials.
• Enthusiasm – It is impossible to come in every day with 100% enthusiasm, but it is still possible to demonstrate small measures of interest in your course. Enthusiasm not only keeps your students engaged but also serves as an internal tool to check in, for example, when teaching burnout occurs or to ensure you’re still interested in your content area.

What is a time when an assignment/activity did not go as planned and how did you
make it a teachable moment? What did you learn about yourself?
Each week, a student group led a discussion on a psychology-related news topic. Despite providing examples and discussion outlines, I observed their struggle. This became a teachable moment, highlighting the need to address diverse educational backgrounds and be comfortable in pausing the teaching schedule to meet the educational demands of my students —this embodies equitable education.

What do you hope students look back on in ten years and say about your class?
In ten years, I hope my students will say they enjoyed participating in non-traditional assignments that helped them identify their learning styles. I aim for the class to have provided them with critical thinking skills that challenge their perspectives. But most of all, I hope they mention enjoying my psychology memes!

What are you streaming that you want others to know about?
Currently, I am streaming suspenseful Korean Dramas! I hope to go to Seoul one day and see the locations where most of the films are shot.

What is your favorite place to visit in Rhode Island? Why?
I enjoy eating outside on one of the benches at Save the Bay, where you can enjoy the view of the Prince Charitable Trusts dock and the Narragansett Bay. This is where I spent most of my time practicing social distancing with friends when I moved to Rhode Island during the pandemic.