Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar 2023-2024

Congratulations to Alfonso Ayala, outstanding Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar recipient for the 2023-2024 year. Alfonso shared how he feels to be selected, highlights from his program, and how SJSU has shaped his graduate education.

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Alfonso Ayala | 24′ M.A., Chicana and Chicano Studies

My name is Alfonso Ayala III, and I am a graduate student in the Chicana and Chicano Studies program. I started taking classes through Open University in Fall 2021; I am currently starting my final year in the program, and plan to graduate Spring 2024!

Being selected as a Sally Casanova Scholarship recipient is a tremendous honor. I started my journey back to graduate school because I knew that I wanted to continue on and pursue a Ph.D.; having access to funding and support that will help me realize my dream is something I am incredibly grateful for. I also believe that being awarded this scholarship is a testament to the community that I have around me. I struggled for a long time with drug addiction and thankfully, I am now sober. My sober community has been instrumental on my journey back to school, and throughout. And throughout the application process, I had a great friend, Marlene Andrade (2022-2023 recipient of the scholarship!) provide immense support and encouragement.

I have been fortunate enough to participate in a few research experiences since I’ve been at SJSU. As part of my Policy Analysis and the Chicana/o Community course, utilizing autohistoria and interviews with research participants, I conducted a small ethnographic study of Latinx teacher recruiters and the way that their racialized identity impacts their work of diversifying the teacher workforce. In Spring of 2022, I presented my research at the California Chapter of the National Association for Multicultural Education and also at the National Association of Chicana and Chicano Studies Annual Conference. This past academic year, I have been working on a research project under the guidance of Dr. Carrie Sampson at Arizona State University, in which we completed a critical discourse analysis of media coverage of school board decisions on mask mandates, school police, and critical race theory. This research was part of a Presidential Session at the American Education Research Association Annual Meeting in April. My current research interests lie at the intersections of Chicana/o Studies, Ethnic Studies, American Studies, and Gender and Sexuality Studies. I am interested in Chicanx sobriety, identity, and spirituality; I am also interested in how the journey of sobriety impacts Chicanx conceptions of identity and spirituality. For my Master’s project, I am primarily using autohistoria and critical analysis of recovery literature, though I hope to include other methods such as oral history and testimonio in future work.

SJSU has shaped my graduate experience in ways I could have never imagined. As I mentioned before, I knew I wanted to earn a PhD, but there was no way I could have ever imagined the ways that my SJSU experience could have prepared me for the journey of applying for doctoral programs. Starting from my very first course through Open University with Dra. Vega, her humanizing classroom made it clear to me that the Chicana and Chicano Studies department was where I belonged. Dra. Vega has been a fierce advocate and champion of mine from the beginning; it was her guidance that encouraged me to submit my first conference proposal! Dr. Ramirez (aka Dr. Johnny) has stressed the importance of applied praxis in every class he teaches; he gets us to think beyond just the problem and dream up possible solutions. Dr. Curry has pushed my thinking in ways I could have never imagined; she has helped me become a deliberate scholar who thinks critically about what scholars are arguing, and also about my own beliefs and assumptions. And, of course, we can’t do this alone–my amazing classmates (shout out especially to Marlene, Annette, and Naomie!) have helped me stay committed. Late night study sessions, peer edits, tons of laughs. I can’t say enough good things about the faculty and students in our department.

Ten Tips to Succeed in Grad School

Graduate school is an adventure. In grad school, you learn and grow, discover new skills and make long lasting connections. Whether you’re a new or returning student, check out our list of top tips to make sure you make the best of your graduate education. 


Schedule and organize

You will be busy – to stay on top of everything and not overwhelm yourself, it’s best to stay organized. Figure out a system that works the best for you and follow it. 

Find time to go outside 

Classes, studying and working on your research will take a lot of time and keep you inside. Make sure to give yourself some time to go outside, enjoy nature and get some exercise. Looking for inspiration on where to go? Check out our 5 Best Outdoorsy Locations Near SJSU.

Take advantage of the school resources  

Everybody needs a bit of support sometimes – don’t hesitate to ask for help! SJSU is on your side no matter what and has many resources available to help you succeed. 

Find your favorite study spots

There are so many on campus locations to choose from. Do you prefer a quiet nook in the library or a busy cafe? This author’s favorite spot is the top floor of a Library – quiet and comfy, while offering amazing views of the campus.

Make copies 

Some students prefer to read class assignments on a paper copy vs on screen. If that’s you, make copies of important documents in your first couple weeks of school to have them ready.  

Have a good work setup at home 

Make sure you have a good setup – a comfortable workspace, ideally with limited distractions. 

Refresh your writing skills

Graduate school requires a lot of writing. If you feel nervous about this, refresh your writing skills by visiting the Writing Center and attend a tutoring session or one of their writing workshops. 

Build connections 

A big part of graduate education is networking – building connections in your professional and private life. You will meet so many amazing people at SJSU! Not sure where to start? Check out the student organizations. 

Take care of your mental health

Mental Health is a key to success. Take care of it and don’t let the stress get to you. Need some help? SJSU CAPS has got you covered. 

Last, have fun!

Enjoy your time at graduate school! All you need to do is take care of yourself and stay on top of your tasks – and you will have a great time. 

M.S. Kinesiology Students in the Fast-growing World of Sports Management

The M.S. Kinesiology program at San Jose State University (SJSU) allows graduate students to gain skills in a variety of areas and get hands-on research experience within their interest.

We connected with two graduate students in the M.S. Kinesiology program, Sports Management concentration, and they both highlighted SJSU’s premier Silicon Valley location, the resources SJSU and their program provides, as well as the outstanding faculty. Dhwanil Shah and Ivanna Anderson-Villela are graduating this upcoming Spring 2024 and they already have skills and relevant career experience to add to their resume,

Research & Diversity and Equity

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Dhwanil Shah | ’24 M.S., Kinesiology

Dhwanil and Ivanna both spoke about the graduate student research support they received from their program and the various leadership opportunities they took on while in their program. Dhwanil worked on a research project in Sports Psychology this past April, “I had an opportunity to work on and present on the importance of teaching diversity, equity and inclusion in youth sports at a Sports Psychology conference in Long Beach.” Dhawanil said it was the faculty’s support and guidance that allowed him to develop his intellect for the research field.

Ivanna is particularly interested in the research of Sports Ecology, which will be the focus of her upcoming thesis. She told us, “I have brought to the attention of professors and classmates the importance of sport ecology and how it is a fundamental subdiscipline of sport management, motivating me to continue to research this area.” Ivanna is currently a graduate research assistant on diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM graduate education and athletic mentoring. After graduation, Ivanna plans to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy degree. It was the university’s and program’s exposure to sports marketing and analytical methods that allowed her to find a new passion for research and continue her education.

Belonging and Community at SJSU

Ivanna Smiling

Ivanna Anderson-Villela | ’24 M.S., Kinesiology

From joining clubs to bowling at the student center SJSU offers graduate students the opportunity to feel right at home. There is always something for everyone.

Dhwanil spoke to us about his passion for Cricket and how it led him to create a Spartan Cricket club, “the club provides students an opportunity to learn and play the sport of cricket on campus – cricket is an extremely popular sport among the commonwealth countries and the club provides a sense of belonging in a community with a common passion.”  Finding a community and connecting with peers was what instilled a sense of belonging for Dhwanil.

Faculty Support

Both Dhwanil and Ivanna shared how the Kinesiology faculty’s supportiveness allowed them to build an impactful education at SJSU. 

Ivanna highlighted the attention and support she receives from faculty, “the faculty in the sport management program truly care about the students and do an incredible job developing students academically and professionally. Connecting with them (faculty) will allow them to guide and help you succeed.”

Dhwanil said that the faculty created a sense of belonging to him, “The Kinesiology faculty has been very helpful and welcoming since day one and I am grateful for them in making it a smooth transition for me.”

On Why They Chose SJSU

There are many reasons why graduate students choose SJSU. Our surveys indicate that students may choose us because of the uniqueness of programs, the lower cost compared to other universities, and the premier Silicon Valley location that offers connection opportunities across the Bay Area.

For Dhwanil, we see these reflected in his own reasoning for choosing SJSU, “San José State University’s location played a major role in my decision, located in the heart of Silicon Valley and in the state of California – a frontrunner in sports and home to many professional sports franchises. Having previously worked for over 5 years in amateur and semi-professional sports, I felt it was the right moment to take the next step in my career. And the Sport Management graduate program appealed the most to me as it provided the perfect opportunity to further develop and sublimate my personality and to grow my knowledge in the field.”

Ivanna highlighted SJSU’s social justice and equity in the sports management world,  “I chose SJSU because it provides the best education possible for students to be prepared for a successful career in the sports industry, healthcare

settings, academia, and other establishments. This university also instills a sense of professionalism and commitment toward social justice, equity, and respect in sports and the world. I knew SJSU would help me achieve the educational objectives offered such as having the capacity to expose myself to the sports industry while using analytical methods in research. During my time at SJSU, my career path has changed for the better.”

Both Ivanna and Dhwanil feel ready to continue their professional journey or go onto a Ph.D. after graduation because of the support, resources, research and experiences that both their program and SJSU offered them. We cannot wait to see where their graduate education at SJSU will take them and how they will transform their communities!

Dr. Hector and Catalina Garcia Graduate Endowed Scholarship 2023-2024 Recipient

Vanessa Segura-Casillas is the 2023-2024 Dr. Hector and Catalina Garcia Graduate Endowed Scholarship recipient. Congratulations!! Read why she is honored to receive this scholarship.

Vanessa Segura-Casillas | ’24 M.A., Counseling & Guidance

Vanessa smiling,

“It’s an honor to be a recipient of this scholarship and to be recognized for my love and commitment to serving my community. I will continue to positively impact Hispanic and underserved communities by supporting students in their academic journeys. As a future school counselor, I strive to empower Hispanic youth in following their aspirations and pursuing higher education despite their obstacles. Choosing to pursue my M.A. in Counseling & Guidance at SJSU has been a wonderful experience. The knowledge I have gained and the connections I’ve made are immeasurable. Having opportunities like these to apply to scholarships that recognize the hard work and dedication of SJSU students is how we can get closer to bridging the equity gap in higher education.”

5 Best Outdoorsy Locations Near SJSU!

Hi! I am Aleksandra and I am a graduate student at San José State University. Whenever I have free time, I love to spend time surrounded by nature. It is such a great way to relax and “recharge batteries.” Sometimes, the best ideas come to my mind when I am hiking because I let my mind drift freely, without stress and rushing anything. In the past I worked professionally in the outdoor recreation field and I still have the passion for sharing my experience with others. Now, I would like to share it with you and recommend you the best hiking locations in our area. Trust me, they are great. If you are looking to unwind this summer, check out these locations. 

The Bay Area is well known for its amazing hiking locations – many of them are in close proximity from the SJSU campus. Life as a graduate student can be busy and stressful, so spending time outdoors is a great way to relax and unwind.  While studying at SJSU you should really take advantage of all the locations that are so close from campus, that allows you to get away from the city hustle!

 

Almaden Quicksilver County Park 

My personal favorite park that I can never get bored of. Miles of trails – from easy  3-mile loops to strenuous all-day “ultras.” Fabulous views of the Almaden Valley, Downtown SJ, and Sierra Azul Mountains.

Enjoy the remains of the mines, mining towns, mysteries, and thrilling legends! If you want more, on your way stop by the historic town of New Almaden – no joking, every resident there has a story they love to share. 

My favorite loop: 13 miles starting from the Hacienda entrance (New Almaden), going through English Camp, Mine Hill, and Guadalupe Reservoir, and back around through Mockingbird. You will get warmed up at the first 2 miles of a climb and then enjoy the moderately flat hike for the rest of the loop. 

Quicksilver is accessible from 5 entrances – it doesn’t matter where in South Bay you are located, you will be able to reach an entrance within a 25-minute drive. Each entrance gives you a slightly different approach to the park and a unique story behind it. 

Uvas Canyon County Park

Uvas Canyon is a real hidden gem. Located a bit remotely is often overlooked by hikers. What a shame! This wonderful park will welcome you with the peace and quiet of a secluded canyon and the soothing sound of water flowing in creeks. As soon as you fall in love with that calmness, you’ll face a new thrill – a series of beautiful waterfalls.

Uvas Canyon is a perfect location for summer hikes – mostly shaded, with trails following along the streams. It provides a lovely refuge from the heat and racket of the city. 

Best hike to do there? Go for it all – start with the waterfall loopand don’t hesitate to add a 3-mile-long, out-and-back trail for a Nibbs Knob. That part is not easy, but absolutely worth it. Views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and majestic Loma Prieta compensate for every drop of sweat, I promise!

Accessible from the private location – a lovely and welcoming Swedish community. The number of parking spots is limited, so make sure to plan your visit ahead and make a reservation.

Calero County Park

Calero is a great park, especially for beginners, or if you want to get outside but not get too tired (strenuous options available too if you only feel like it). Big open spaces, fabulous views of the lake, and various trail options to choose from – what else do you need?

This park is my favorite for mountain biking – if you are a beginner like me, you will find it perfect. Leave your car at the San Vincente entrance and warm up by riding on McKean road to the Main Entrance. Take the Oak Cove Trail all around the lake – enjoy the wonderful views, empty trail, and tricky (though not too difficult) turns. After the big crossroads, you will follow the Lisa Killough Trail all the way back to your car. The trail ends with a fun downhill cruise – beware though, there is a closed gate at the end of the descent, so make sure to stop on time (trust me, I learned my lesson the hard way). 

Calero is a great location for everybody – hikers, runners, bikers, and equestrians. It is a  “Choose your own adventure” kind of park. Great location for winter and spring hikes, it gets a bit hot in the summer as most of the trails are in the open sun. Bring sunscreen and plenty of water!

 

Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve

Small, but an incredibly fun park. Quite literally hidden on the southern border of San Jose, Coyote Open Space is a great location for beginners, families, and hikers who need a quick but intense stroll. 

Coyote is a 4-mile-long, one-way loop. Usually it’s not too busy, and you will surely come across some animals – from cows to coyotes, chipmunks to birds. The trail goes across multiple wooden bridges, which surely adds a bit of charm to your hike. 

I like this park early in the morning, especially on weekdays. Usually, you won’t meet too many people there. Instead, you’ll see coyotes on their way home from nightly hunts. Personal advice – don’t put your headset in, enjoy the sounds of nature. 

Wonderful location for beginner trail runners – you will get good practice, but not overdo it. A loop splits equally between 2 miles of gradual uphill and 2 miles of downhill. Check the website before visiting – this location tends to close quite a bit due to seasonal fire hazards. 

Henry Coe State Park 

Last but not least – majestic Henry Coe State Park. Probably the most remote of the 5 parks I mentioned, but surely worth a bit of a drive. Speaking of driving – there are some spectacular views to enjoy on the way there, keep your eyes on the road. 

Henry Coe Park provides miles and miles of hiking and biking trails – from small, family-friendly loops, to 30+ mile backpacking trails. Great location to start your backpacking adventure or test the gear before hitting the bigger mileage. 

If you have time, take a longer route and go all the way to the China Hole – it’s hard but worth the effort. This 10-mile loop with a perfect mid-hike lunch location by the water is just dreamy. Not too many people hike there, so you will surely enjoy the peace and quiet every time of the year. Watch out for Poison Oak around the China Hole! 

The Ranger station at the main trailhead has the most helpful staff – they will always share their advice about the best trail, or interesting facts about the park’s nature. Worth stopping by for a little chat before hiking. 

 

Ready for hiking? 

Have you visited all the locations, or did I mention some you’ve never tried before? Go check them out now and let me know what you think.

Before you start hiking make sure to check each of the park’s websites for all the detailed information or check your favorite hiking app.