Name

Annie Fukushima

School

University of California, Berkeley

Degree Program

Fifth year PhD student in Ethnic Studies with a concentration in Women, Gender and Sexuality

Previous Degrees

Master of Arts in Ethnic Studies from University of California, Berkeley, 2007; Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from University of Hawaii, Manoa

Dissertation Topic

Trafficking of Latinos and Asians in California

Research Interests

Human trafficking

Advisor

Evelyn Nakano Glenn

Advisor’s Research Focus

Comparitive historical studies of race, gender and class and their intersections in relation to immigration, labor markets and citizenship

Hobbies

B-movies, my dog Artoo Shih-tzu, karaoke

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school or program?

I chose University of California, Berkeley for both my masters degree program and my PhD program in ethnic studies because it is a great school. The curriculum of the ethnic studies program, at both the masters and PhD level, fit my interests. The program is very interdisciplinary, which is an important characteristic for me. In addition, the coursework was flexible and allowed me to cater my education to my own interests. Overall, I felt that enrolling in the ethnic studies program at Berkeley for both my masters degree and PhD would allow me to conduct human trafficking research with a critical raced and gendered lens.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

To prepare myself for graduate school, I took time off from academia after completing my undergraduate degree in order to experience the world. I feel like this was a very important step for me. During my time off, I traveled, which gave me a new perspective about making the big commitment to enter graduate school.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, I had to submit GRE scores when I applied to my PhD program in ethnic studies.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

When I applied to University of California, Berkeley, I submitted both a personal statement and a writing sample. In my personal statement, I talked about my life and I made sure to explain how my experiences had shaped my research interests. I outlined my career goals and described how my unique qualities would help me achieve my career goals. I also wrote about how I would fit into the institution and why the university should be interested in me.

In addition to my personal statement, I submitted a writing sample that reflected my strengths and objectives. For my writing sample, I revised my honors thesis several times. I also asked for a lot of feedback from several people. It was important to me to create a strong writing sample that would demonstrate my interests as well as my capabilities.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

I chose the professor who had mentored me during my undergraduate honors program to write a letter of recommendation.

For other students who are looking for faculty to approach for letters of recommendation, you should not be afraid to ask professors for that kind of support. I think professors feel honored when students seek out their guidance, even if they are too busy to accommodate the request.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in ethnic studies?

If you are considering applying to graduate school in ethnic studies, I would encourage you to strengthen your weak areas beforehand, take risks when you apply, research a lot of schools and look for the program that will offer you the best fit.

If you have an area that gives you trouble academically, work on it. In my own experience, it helped me a lot to focus on my weaker areas during my undergraduate study, particularly writing. Graduate school requires not only interest in research, but also a lot of writing. Writing is not easy or natural for me, so I took many writing courses as an undergraduate in order to improve, and the extra attention helped. If you are struggling with something, take classes in that subject to polish your skills before entering graduate school.

Once you have strengthened your weaknesses, I recommend that you aim high, and do not settle when it comes time to apply for programs. In my own experience, I never thought I would be admitted to Berkeley. In fact, this was the last school I applied to. But I took a risk, and it paid off because I was accepted. Apply to a lot of schools, even schools where you don’t think you will be accepted. You will never know if you don't try.

In addition to applying to a lot of high-quality schools, I advise you to tour the campuses and research the programs to find a good fit for you. It is important that the curriculum supports your interests and suits your needs.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

My PhD program in ethnic studies takes on average 6 or 7 years to complete and is divided between courses and dissertation work. For the first 2 years, I took formal courses, and in the third year I completed my qualifying exams. After the exams, I submitted a proposal for my dissertation, which outlined my research objectives. After the third year, I began my dissertation research and have been working on completing my research and drafting my dissertation in the 2 years since.

What is the focus of your dissertation research?

For my dissertation research, I am trying to construct a narrative of human trafficking, specifically human trafficking of Latinos and Asians into California. I am examining all of the angles of the issue, including the media discourse and visual culture in relation to human trafficking as well as the individual identities of trafficked people. I am interested in how Latinos and Asians have been trafficked, or how they came to feel as if they have been trafficked. At the most basic level, I am investigating what it means to be a trafficked person.

Can you describe the process of researching for and writing your dissertation?

In order to research for my dissertation, I am examining the issue of human trafficking within a broad framework that includes the perspective of the media, the victims and society. I am exploring the cultural aspects of human trafficking through media as well as literary analysis, such as newspaper archives.

I also conduct a lot of field research through participant observation. For example, for 2 years I have worked in non-profit organizations to observe human trafficking. In addition, I have immersed myself in a social justice community outside of academia. Networking with people who focus on issues of human trafficking helps give me a realistic perspective in my research.

Does your program have a special project component?

Although it is not a required project component, I participate in non-profit organizations to glean real-world experience and insight. Reading and writing about theories can only offer so much knowledge before I have to apply those theories to the field.

I have collaborated with both community-based and government-based organizations to help communities and people affected by human trafficking. For instance, I am on the board of directors for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Stage Project, which was founded by a human trafficking survivor. In addition, I work with Survivors Connect, which helps in anti-trafficking efforts, particularly in Haiti. The experiences have helped to ground me in thinking about the real impact of human trafficking issues much more than simply examining the problems in a classroom.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

My advisor is an integral component in my education. I consult my advisor on many issues, including dissertation writing, fellowship and postdoctoral applications, letters of recommendation and networking. In order to get the most out of having an advisor, I communicate regularly with her. At a research university such as Berkeley, professors are very busy. I must be strategic in scheduling time to meet with my advisor and efficient with my time when I communicate with her.

Does your doctoral program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

Yes, I had to take qualifying exams during my third year in order to move into the dissertation phase of my PhD program in ethnic studies.

For the exam, I had to select 3 areas of expertise. In each area of expertise, I had to write a paper demonstrating my knowledge and defending my arguments. In my PhD program we refer to the qualifying exams as “discussion.”

How does a doctoral program differ from graduate study at the masters level?

The main difference I have noticed between studying in a doctoral program and studying in a masters degree program is the depth of research. My masters degree program here at Berkeley was an opportunity for me to explore some of the fields of research that interested me. However, it was not until I advanced to candidacy as a doctoral candidate that I began more rigorous research for the dissertion.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your PhD program cost?

Tuition, books and fees for my PhD program cost around $15,000 each year.

How are you funding your education?

Because Berkeley is a public institution, there are several funding opportunities available for my PhD program in ethnic studies. In general, students in my PhD program can apply for fellowships in which we receive public funding for a year or more. The length of funding varies from student to student.

In my case, I work as a graduate student instructor to help fund my education. I teach courses on immigration and Asian American studies. I find that teaching offers more of a reward than just financial support because it gives me a reprieve from my dissertation writing. I have also received fellowships and grants.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a PhD in ethnic studies?

My PhD program in ethnic studies is especially time consuming because I tend to put a lot on my plate. I am committed to finishing my dissertation, and lately I spend most days writing. At 9:30 each morning, I arrive at campus to begin writing, and I typically work on my dissertation until 10:00 p.m. In addition to my dissertation work, I also spend a lot of time volunteering for non-profit organizations. I make time for this because working in the field is part of my research and it directly relates to my education.

In order to accomplish all of the things that I need to do each week, multi-tasking is crucial. To balance my obligations, I must allocate time for specific things. I have learned that it is okay to step back from an obligation to make time for another, when necessary. Although I am busy, I also feel that it is important to make time for self-care. I manage my work to allow time for relaxation and friends.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school has had a positive impact on my personal life. My research has helped me to remain curious and continue to ask questions about the human condition. Studying in graduate school has also helped me hone abilities that I would have otherwise taken for granted. For example, I have polished my skills in public speaking, teaching, mentoring, problem-solving and researching independently.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I plan to be in a teaching position in a university, but I am also open to other opportunities where I can learn and grow. Academia is a competitive field to break into because there are more graduates than there are professional positions available. I hope to find teaching positions that will include research opportunities. However, I might see what other career possibilities exist once I have my PhD.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a PhD in ethnic studies?

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD in ethnic studies, you should first understand that graduate school in ethnic studies is a long, difficult process, and in order to succeed you must be committed to the challenge. The first year is the hardest, and although it does not get easier, you will adjust. You have to approach graduate school knowing that it will be demanding, but you will make it through. I recommend that you simply commit yourself to meeting the challenges and finishing the degree. In addition to being committed, you must also have passion.

Besides commitment and passion, pursuing a PhD in ethnic studies requires independence. There is a lot of independent work in my program. I spend most of my time writing, and that can be quite isolating. This is not a good path for someone who cannot work independently.

Finally, I advise you to be proactive in locating financial resources. There is money out there, you just may have to be creative to find it. Apply for fellowships, research assistantships and teaching packages. You might have to hunt, but there are funding opportunities available.