Che Madyun '89
School of Management
"My biggest barrier was my own lack of self-confidence. I went back to school because I wanted to be somebody, be somebody to myself."
As with all adult students, Che Madyun's life was a carefully balanced juggling act. A student in the Graduate School Management Division's Arts Administration program, Che was also a parent coordinator at METCO, president of the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, and mother of three. Her days started as early as 5:00 a.m. and often ended around midnight.
She had earned a B.F.A. in dance from Emerson College and married and stayed at home when she had her children. During that time she worked as a volunteer for a dance company, taught dance, and provided at-home day care. When the children were older, she was a part-time parent coordinator at METCO and was later divorced.
Che began the Lesley program at ABCD, the largest human services agency in New England. Lesley offered bachelor's and master's programs through its Urban College, but after awhile Che began taking classes at Lesley's campus in Cambridge, appreciating "the networking opportunities with students and faculty who are all professionals in my field."
"Although in some ways it was hard to be at home when my children were small, I'm glad I did it. Now I love being with people my own age in school," she said. Che also enjoyed the relevancy of her studies and applying what she learned at the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative. This community-based redevelopment project in Roxbury is a wide-ranging effort that will potentially include affordable housing, a park, a health center, day care, and other community services. "My core class in financial management, for instance, have been very useful," said Che. "Now I ask the right questions about money and know how to look at the budget and the annual report."
Che was looking forward to graduation and had aspirations of working for an arts organization, a children's museum, or even writing a book on African-American choreographers.
This profile was compiled from previously published material in Lesley Magazine, Winter 1988-89.
Che Madyun '89 School of Management was offered her "dream job" after graduating Lesley and worked for Boston's Strand Theater for 12 years doing community outreach work and bookkeeping. Now self-employed, Che works to link philanthropic organizations with grassroots community groups and teaches at Cambridge College.