Melissa Clairjeune

Why FSU?

I was drawn to the English program at FSU because of its Literature, Media, and Culture track, which aligned with my focus on literature, on-screen representations of race, and culture. Additionally, I was searching for Black women scholar-teachers whose work inspired me and under whose tutelage I could hone my skills. The English doctoral program at FSU seemed like the perfect fit for me.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I was motivated to pursue this graduate degree because I am committed to a lifetime of literary research and writing; I am a scholar.

Importance of research and work

I interrogate cultural and national identity and assimilation in literature and media because the study of Black culture from the perspective of a member of the diaspora living in America can shed light on the multiplicity of Black identities and how race, ethnicity, class, and gender intersect. My intention as a scholar is to use my perspective as a first-generation American of Haitian descent to participate in and open up conversations about race in America that can, at times, feel exclusive.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Graduate school is a great opportunity! You will learn a lot, develop skills, expand your horizons, and have experiences that will positively mark your life. Work hard and stay passionate about what you do. Balance work with relaxation, and take advantage of what the university has to offer outside academia.

Career aspirations

My professional aspirations beyond the PhD are to serve as a teacher, mentor, and advocate for students. I plan to continue teaching works written by authors with marginalized voices, prompting students to grapple with issues of racism and sexism. My purpose as a scholar is to contribute to the scholarship on the full-lived experiences of Black womanhood without prioritizing only one or two aspects of Black identity.

Accomplishments during graduate career

Achieving the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship is the first accomplishment in my doctoral journey. Being a part of this program really feels like being a part of a supportive family. The financial support grants me the freedom to focus on my studies, and the mentorship gives me a strong foundation for success.