The BAIS Edition

As these graduates embark on the next phase of their journey, they carry with them not only a diploma but also a commitment to leadership and equity that will guide them in serving their communities, supporting youth and families, and fostering positive change. Whether they enter the workforce, pursue further education, or embark on entrepreneurial ventures, these graduates are primed to make meaningful contributions locally and globally.

Congratulations to the graduates of the Interdisciplinary Studies program at San Jose State University. Your achievements stand as a testament to your perseverance, creativity, and thirst for knowledge. As you step into the future, may you continue to embody the values of our program and strive for excellence in all your endeavors.

What was your career journey? What experiences do you have outside of teaching?

I wish I had a cool career path that led me to education. Outside of parking cars at Caesar's Palace one summer in high school, the only career I have ever pursued has been in education. The day I graduated high school, I walked across the street to the community college, declared as a special education major and stayed in school until I earned three degrees in special education, teaching at the PK-12+ and university levels along the way.

What is the most challenging part about teaching? What is the most rewarding part?

For me the most challenging this about teaching was trying to push for change in established systems. While my goal was always to get my students with disabilities more time in general education, I've come to learn that schools are stubbornly opposed to change in a variety of critically inclusive areas. However, the most rewarding is when you do notice changes in classrooms, schools, or school systems that ultimately benefit students holistically.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone trying to follow in your footsteps?

You are not alone. Working in education can be pretty isolating and silo you off from other professionals. However, success and change happen when people work together toward a shared mission and vision. Whether you build community for social support in your courses or build teams for making inclusive change at schools in the future it is easier and better when you work with others :) To keep it simple, I'd say that teamwork makes the dreamwork.

What was one memory from your experience in BAIS that stands out to you?

One memory that stands out to me from the BAIS program is my very first Saturday morning class with Erin. I remember feeling SO LOST and confused. I didn’t know what was expected of me, and I couldn’t understand the assignments. I would say that was my hardest class in the whole program. However, it wasn’t hard because of the contents of what is taught in the class. It was hard because I didn’t know myself nor the kind of leader I could be at the time. I didn’t know what my full capacity was. It wasn’t until the end of the program when I had Erin again that I realized this and truly appreciated that first Saturday class. It really was a full circle moment and taught me that I am capable to take on the education field and pursue my goals.

What are you up to today? What’s your next goal?

I am a Teacher for Santa Clara County Office of Education’s Deaf/Hard of Hearing program. I teach TK-1st Grade this school year!

What were some challenges you faced in your educational journey and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge was juggling everything: work, school, being a mom, then having a baby, then having surgery, and running a household. It was hard, and even though online is convenient, it is also incredibly challenging and takes some serious dedication. That’s how I was able to overcome them: I dedicated myself to the program and leaned on my classmates and professors for support and guidance. 

violeta bjorngjeld (SP '23)

What was one memory from your experience in BAIS that stands out to you?

Graduation day was one of the most memorable experiences during my time at BAIS. After a year of working on different projects online, I finally got the chance to meet my peers in person. It was heartwarming to see that they were willing to travel from outside the Bay area to celebrate our graduation day together.

What BAIS class do you see really helping you today?

The classes I took in the BAIS program have given me a solid foundation to pursue my Master's degree in Special Education. This program has given me the confidence and academic knowledge to create lesson plans, write research papers, and collaborate effectively on assignments.

What are you up to today? What’s your next goal?

I will be able to graduate this Spring with an MA and a teacher Special Education Credential.