Tasha Baizerman Majors: Anthropology (with a focus on Urban Anthropology) and Spanish Year of Graduation: 1995

Where do you live and work now?

I live in East Boston and I work for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.

What is your occupation?

I'm a social worker at the Boston Juvenile Court Clinic.

What did you do immediately after graduating from UMass Boston?

I traveled in Brazil for two months and then went to work as a temp in the Produce Market in Chelsea.

What has been your most worthwhile professional experience so far?

Aside from my current job where I continue to learn a great deal, I also really enjoyed working as a health educator in the public schools and with DYS involved youth and incarcerated adults and doing HIV counseling and testing.

What are the one or two events, courses or people that stand out in your mind from your time at UMass Boston? Please explain.

I had an amazing experience researching and writing an honors thesis on a urban anthropology while at UMass Boston. Not only did I learn a great deal from the professors (like Dr. Tim Sieber) who gave me feedback on my work, I also had a hands on experience which changed my life and my outlook on the meaning of work.

My participation in a program which trained UMass students to teach ESL in community settings was also very meaningful to me. This unique program, which taught students applied teaching skills, also encouraged us try out our own ideas in the classroom to meet the needs of our students, all of whom who were recent immigrants. This program was provided me with the opportunity to work in settings I probably would not have explored otherwise such as the Vietnamese Civic Association (VACA) in Dorchester.

Has studying anthropology impacted your perspective (personally, professionally, or other)? If so, how?

My anthropology background has informed and guided me throughout my career by giving me a way to understand systems, codes of behavior, and varying worldviews. In my work life and in my personal life, I put anthropology training to use in order to make sense of fascinating and confusing situations, tolerate difficult moments and people, and learn from interpersonal interactions and experiences.

Is there a piece of advice you wish someone had offered you while still an undergraduate student at UMass?

I would advise current students to enjoy the process and the experience of their education instead of just focusing on completing their courses and graduating. Whenever you can, register for classes taught by interesting and inspiring professors. Don't limit yourself and your education by only taking classes in your major or classes that are offered on the right day, the right time, and to meet the right requirements.