Amber Brown Ruiz: Impressed by “community feeling”
Doctoral student and VCU Holmes Scholar also passionate about life after high school for students of color with disabilities.
Amber Brown Ruiz is from Crystal Springs, Mississippi. She earned her undergraduate degree in biology and psychology from the University of Mississippi, and her master’s degree in rehabilitation psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is currently a doctoral candidate in the VCU School of Education’s Ph.D. in Education, Special Education and Disability Policy Program (now the Ph.D. in Special Education program). She was accepted into the VCU Holmes Scholars Program in 2019.
What drew you to the field of education?
The research and policy gaps in practice that I saw as a vocational rehabilitation counselor.
Who inspired you to pursue study in this field?
Many of the students and mentors I worked with have inspired me to push forward and explore the topics I am most passionate about, such as life after high school for students of color with disabilities.
Why VCU SOE?
VCU SOE and the Special Education program have a strong focus on policy and systems-level change-making, which is an area where I wanted to grow and understand better in order to reach my long-term goals of supporting students of color with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them.
What has impressed you most about your program so far?
I am always impressed by the community feeling the Special Education program provides. As a doctoral student, the program listens to our needs and helps us enhance our soft skills of navigating higher education and research skills. The Friday seminars always have great speakers and information lined up each month. Also, during my time here, I have been able to publish many articles with the help of faculty members and research teams interested in the development of graduate students.
Any tips for students who are considering study in your program at VCU SOE?
The best tip I have learned is to always reach out. People in the departments are typically willing to help.
What drew you to the Holmes Scholars Program?
I was drawn to the Holmes Scholars Program because I was interested in networking with other graduate students of color in different programs and universities. I also thought it would be a great opportunity to expand my skill set by working with mentors and faculty members who identify as people of color in higher education.
What have you enjoyed most about the Holmes Scholars Program so far?
I have enjoyed the professional development series the program has offered. The speakers not only provide valuable information, but they also discuss their experiences.