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Q & A with online MA student Sammi Cesere
Meet Sammi Cesere, a student in ICD's online MA in applied child and adolescent development! In this Q & A, Sammi explains why she chose the individualized studies track in the MA program and how the program aligns with her goals. She also shares her experience as a resident of Maui, Hawai'i during the devastating wildfires of 2023. For Cesere, going through a natural disaster reaffirmed the importance of supporting children's healthy development on our changing planet.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, but have been living in Maui, Hawaii for the past 16 years. I am a mother of two daughters, ages five and eights, who offer me plenty of inspiration and opportunity to apply what I have been learning in the applied child and adolescent development MA program. Parenthood changed the course of my career—previously in the fashion industry—and led me to take roles in education while I pursued a solid foundation in developmental science. My experience includes working in early childhood and special education classrooms, and I am currently a substitute at a local, non-profit preschool.
How did you find out about the online MA in applied child and adolescent development and decide to pursue it?
After discovering Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child website, I noticed that one of the contributors to their series of working papers was affiliated with the University of Minnesota. That led me to learn more about the Institute of Child Development and their reputation in the field of developmental science. Due to my remote location, I was actively on the lookout for an online graduate program in child development. The MA in applied child and adolescent development was the perfect program that aligned with my learning goals and offered the flexibility that I needed as a working mother.
Photo courtesy of Sammi Cesere
Your community suffered a natural disaster in 2023. I am sorry you and your family went through that experience! How did it affect you personally and professionally?
The Maui wildfires were a traumatic experience, and I was concerned about how that would impact my studies. I didn’t end up taking a full pause on coursework but rather went down to one course for that semester. I really wanted to have that space for focused work, while also allowing time to grieve and having more availability to contribute to the healing of the community. Because of that, I was able to complete an outside training program for a local children’s grief support organization as well as in psychological first aid. The whole experience really solidified the importance of community connection, which grew stronger in the time following the natural disaster. It also raises the ongoing concern of climate change and its effects on child development.
Talk about your goals for your MA and beyond, and how you feel the program will help you achieve them.
My main goal going into the MA program was simply to learn and to explore the research behind developmental science. After graduation, I plan to pursue a role working with interventions that support children and families, applying what I have learned throughout my coursework. The MA will also give me the foundation and qualifications to apply for a doctoral program in educational psychology. While opportunities are a bit limited in my area, I am available for remote work and will happily consider offers for recruitment!
Why did you choose the individualized studies track?
As I wanted to take an exploratory approach to learning, the individualized studies track offered the flexibility to select courses that aligned with my interests and various applications within developmental science. For example, I completed courses in adult learning and an anti-bias human development workshop which supported my interest in social justice initiatives involving family systems.
Also, FYI: the IECMH track was of interest to me as well, but the coursework needed to qualify for clinical licensure had an in-person requirement!
Do you have any tips as a working parent for people who are considering this program?
Parents handle multiple priorities at once, so my advice to those who are considering a graduate program while also working and taking care of kids, is to “do less” when you can. This may look like turning down requests and not taking on unnecessary commitments. Your time is precious, and it is vital not only to organize it well, but to protect your use of it. With that being said, budget time for yourself as well so that you may show up to the best of your ability as a professional, parent, and student. Lastly, reach out and accept support when available—even though us moms can do it all, that doesn’t always mean that we should!