Graduate Student Spotlight | Xavier Smalls
"Creating spaces for students to share their perspectives is very important in creating a world where students feel that their ideas are respected rather than neglected."
Interdisciplinary Conference Participant
Program
- Humanities (M.A.)
Department
- Education
- Philosophy & Religious Studies
Xavier Smalls is a current student in the Master of Humanities program and the chapel graduate assistant at Hood College. On October 17, he participated in the Conference on Interdisciplinary Dialogues in Education alongside fellow students JJ Salas and Luisa Sieverding. Smalls details his involvement in the conference and his key takeaways from it in the interview below.
Tell us about your career and education background.
I graduated summa cum laude from Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, in May 2025 with a double major in anthropology and environmental studies and a minor in museum, field and community education. I have past internship experiences at the Environmental Protection Agency (Offices of International and Tribal Affairs and Office of Children's Health Protection) as well as Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and I worked as an archaeology field and lab teaching assistant at Washington College. I am currently the chapel graduate assistant at Hood College working with Reverend Beth O'Malley.
What made you decide to attend Hood College?
I decided to attend Hood College due to the close-knit community and the humanities graduate program that allows me to apply interdisciplinary themes and topics to diverse problems and issues in the real world.
How did you find out about the Interdisciplinary Dialogues in Education Conference?
I found about the Interdisciplinary Dialogues in Education Conference through emails from the Graduate School and my adviser, Professor Karen Hoffman, Ph.D.
What was the conference like? Was there a particular highlight for you?
The conference was very welcoming and open to diverse interests. A particular highlight was being able to attend different presentations. I specifically enjoyed the presentation on restorative practices to amplify student voices.
How does the conference tie into your career goals?
The conference ties into my career goals because I am interested in applying lessons and strategies discussed throughout the conference presentations and keynote presentation in future work that I am interested in pursuing, such as administrative work at a college or in informal education spaces in museums.
What was your biggest takeaway from the conference?
The biggest takeaway from the conference is that creating spaces for students to share their perspectives is very important in creating a world where students feel that their ideas are respected rather than neglected.
Do you have any advice you would give to prospective students who are considering a career in education?
Some advice for prospective students considering an education career is to network early and make sure to shadow or talk to someone in the field to get a sense of whether or not it is for you.
Are there any fun facts about yourself that you would like to share?
I've been playing the clarinet for about 14 years, and my favorite animal is the red panda.
Inspired by Xavier's experiences at the Interdisciplinary Conference? Ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about Hood College’s graduate programs, including humanities.
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