Paul Douglas II
Program: Master of Education in Developmental Psychology & Education
Expected year of graduation: 2024
What led you to apply to APHD at OISE?
My interest in Education and Psychology began at a noticeably early age. Long before I knew of Rene Descartes and his method of cartesian doubt. I, much like every other child, wanted to know “why” and questioned the world around me, specifically through a lens of antiblackness. This youthful curiosity fostered by creative minds such as Dr. Kenneth & Mamie Clark, Dr. Amos Wilson, and Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu has inspired me to make a pledge to become a lifelong learner. As a graduate of The University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science, double majoring in Psychology & Child Development, I was searching for the best university offering both studies interdisciplinarily. OISE’s Developmental Psychology & Education program is the best of both worlds, especially because OISE takes great pride in increasing research and scholarship in APHD departments through a lens of antiblackness.
What was your past experience like?
I have worked in the education sector as a Director, Assistant Director, Lead, and Assistant Teacher for private childcare centers. This has been an extremely gratifying yet humbling experience due to the lack of representation of intersectional identities of black males, as they represent less than 2% of early childhood educators.
Are there any past accomplishments that you would like to highlight?
Having been accepted into graduate school as an undergraduate student through a fast-track program has boosted my confidence in my intellectual abilities. I am currently an Inclusive Excellence Scholar, Power in Youth Lab Research Assistant, and volunteer office manager at The Centre for Black Studies in Education.
What is one thing you like most about your experience so far at OISE?
What I like about OISE is the opportunity to prove myself as a warrior-scholar. Within the department, I am one of few African descent students. This is a groundbreaking opportunity, and I am ecstatic to “take up space” in hopes that others like myself will feel comfortable joining the department.
What is your favourite thing about Toronto?
My favorite thing about Toronto is the opportunity to explore a new city and country. I have enjoyed seeing the CN tower, Lake Ontario, and the beautiful skyscrapers and historic architecture.
What does your “weekend” typically look like?
My weekends are typically centered around relaxing, volunteering, and the gym. I try to keep a regular routine of saving at least one of the days to focus on recharging for the week to come.
What are some of your hobbies & interests?
The hobby that I have practiced most as a graduate student is podcasting. I truly enjoy listening to lengthy detailed podcasts pertaining to psychology, race, and religion so much that I have been inspired to create a YouTube channel of my own @Mr.EmpowerTV focusing on education, psychology, and Anti-black racism.
What is your favourite type of cuisine?
My favorite cuisine is seafood. I have enjoyed the Mediterranean cooked white fish and tabbouleh, imported scallops, oysters, Jamaican oxtails, goat, and patties. Toronto has no shortage of diverse food options.
Where do you see yourself after you achieve your degree from APHD?
After completing the Master of Education program in Developmental Psychology & Education I intend to pursue a Ph.D. Currently, the University of Toronto has restrictions on admissions into clinical programs for international students which I am hoping will change in the future as I would love to become a clinical psychologist.
I also look forward to opening a network of childcare centers that are a safe space to conduct research on the intersection of child development and blackness. So, I intend to stay committed to climbing the educational ladder here at The University of Toronto while advocating for our future leaders especially those of African descent as the University has expressed its commitment to truth and reconciliation.
