Doctor of Education Graduate Maya Daniel

Before starting her EdD with Werklund, Maya studied Business (Hospitality and Tourism) and Management (Tourism). She now holds an academic leadership role while continuing to research and present in her area of study.

What made you want to study at the Werklund School of Education?

After teaching as a contract instructor in post-secondary for six years, I decided I wanted to make a go of getting a full-time role. I knew I needed a doctorate to make my goal a reality.

How did you arrive at your thesis topic? What drew you to that particular area of focus?

I began to notice several changes in the classroom over the years that I had been teaching (e.g., reduced completion of homework tasks and assignments, increased absenteeism, and waning engagement in classroom activities). I wanted to study the changes and learn what I could do to make a positive impact.

Who is someone who had an important influence on your experience at Werklund? Tell us about their impact. 

My supervisor, Dr. Roswita Dressler, was my support beam and my anchor. Roswita walked me through the many phases of my work with a firm yet caring hand. She helped me break down tasks and understand new and, at times, disorienting concepts. Roswita made complex tasks seem manageable; I always came away from our sessions feeling energized and ready to tackle the next thing on the list. Working with Roswita was a real blessing.

What is the most important lesson you learned from your graduate studies experience? 

Never give up! Set goals, pace yourself, seek help, and just keep writing!

Where has your education from the Werklund School of Education taken you in your career?

Three months after starting my EdD, I was hired into a full-time permanent role at my institution. I have since held an academic leadership role at my institution, and I continue to research and present in my area of study.

Outside of Werklund, what are your favourite pastimes? Do you have any interesting hobbies or talents? 

I love anything to do with the performing arts! I am a swing dancer, and I used to be a member of a performance troop called Mad Cat Swing. I took a break while completing my doctorate, but I'm getting back into the swing of things now that restrictions are lifting (pun intended... :))

I also sing, and I have sung at weddings, in church, and with a competitive barbershop chorus that won gold at our regional competition one year!

What advice would you give to those about to begin their graduate studies journey? 

Make connections with people in your cohort. Next to my supervisor, my cohort friends were my major lifeline. This journey can be difficult and lonely at times, but having a group of like-minded folks who are experiencing the same things make the whole experience more human and much more fun! 

What do you plan to do after you have completed your degree? How do you hope to make a positive impact in the community?

I just finished my degree and crossed the stage during the spring convocation of 2022. I love what I do in the classroom every day. I plan to continue researching ways to better support my students and positively impact their investment practices. 

Please share any additional comments

Completing my doctorate changed my life in more ways than I thought it would; I have truly been enriched! If you are considering graduate studies, stop kicking the tires and take the plunge, you won't regret it!