Barbara Perry-Perez was the first in her family to graduate high school, earn her undergraduate degree, and enroll in a graduate program. As a first-generation college student, it was crucial for

Barbara Perry-Perez – 18′ M.A. History

her to find an educational program where she felt supported, empowered, and valued. This led her to SJSU’s masters in History program. Barbara told us that she needed an educational environment that would challenge her academically and support her personally. Throughout her graduate journey at SJSU, she found the professors genuinely invested in her success, providing the guidance and encouragement she needed to achieve her academic goals.

The Unwavering Support from SJSU Professors

Barbara faced a difficult time when her husband battled cancer a year after graduation. She explained how supportive and caring Professor Dr. Hilde was, “my husband was fighting leukemia and he and I were at Stanford Hospital for four months while he was a bone marrow transplant patient. Dr. Libra Hilde came to visit us both, even though I had graduated in December 2018 and his hospital stay was in 2019. Her act of kindness touched my husband and I and he remembered Dr. Hilde’s thoughtfulness during the last days of his fighting his battle.” Barbara also shared how all the professors in SJSU’s History graduate program are kind, caring, knowledgeable and go beyond the expectations of what one would expect from a professor. 

Developing as an Educator and Historian

Earning an M.A. in History, with a specialization in American History, was driven by Barbara’s aspiration to grow as an educator. She wanted to enhance her ability to read and analyze primary documents and express her analyses of historical events through clear and thoughtful writing. Barbara just celebrated her 25th year as an American History teacher, and is working as a part-time lecturer at Gavilan Junior College. She concludes by emphasizing that a significant part of her success stems from the invaluable help and guidance she received during her graduate program. 

Barbara described her experience at SJSU as transformative, equipping her with the skills, knowledge, and support necessary for her career development. Today, she continues to make a lasting impact as an educator and historian.