Bridgette Sanders

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree at FSU

I am pursuing my PhD in English with a specialization in Rhetoric and Composition to maximize my potential for a career as a professor. Being immersed in an academic environment that allows me to learn, teach, research, and write is very rewarding. I also enjoy inspiring students to write effectively across genres, and attaining a PhD is a necessary step toward accomplishing my goal of becoming a professor. Additionally, I chose FSU because it has an outstanding English Department where I can grow intellectually as a graduate student. Here, I like the variety of courses, accomplished faculty, research opportunities, and job placement. What also appealed to me was the sense of community in the Rhetoric and Composition program and knowing that faculty want students to succeed academically and professionally. These were all important factors that led to my decision to attend FSU.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My dissertation project centers upon the rhetoric of empathy in relation to sisterhood, mentorship, and healing among Black women in rhetoric and composition programs across the country. My research is important because it sheds light on the visible and invisible network of sisterhood for Black women to counter racism, sexism, and intraracial tension.

Career aspirations

I aspire to become a professor, write a book, and publish scholarly articles.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Prepare yourself mentally for the rigors of graduate school, which requires extensive reading and writing. Embrace learning and seek opportunities to enhance yourself as a student and scholar. Also, remember to carve out time for self-care.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I am proud to be a 2024 recipient of the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship. Also, in April 2024, I received a Scholars for the Dream Travel Award from the prestigious Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC). My research project examined collective healing and sisterhood as a Black feminist rhetorical practice for a round table discussion entitled “The Abundance of Global Black Rhetorics.” I collaborated with Dr. Ronisha Browdy (FSU), Dr. Esther Milu (UCF), and UCF scholars. I was one of twenty recipients to receive the award, and I am honored that CCCC’s recognized me for my scholarly contribution to the field. I have also presented at other conferences including 2023 CCCC’s Convention, 2023 Feminisms and Rhetorics Conference, and 2023 Gloria Naylor Conference. I have also won several travel awards from FSU.