Student Profiles

Nancy Ali

"I have always loved the stars, felt drawn to them. While doing my undergraduate degree, I briefly considered pursuing astronomy but found the required math daunting and so pursued teaching instead. Twists and turns led me to my current job as a science educator at a natural and cultural history museum, where I was first introduced to the field of archaeoastronomy. Archaeoastronomy is the study of cultural knowledge about the celestial sphere. A somewhat obscure field, archaeoastronomy draws from astronomy, archaeology, anthropology, trigonometry, mythology and more.

I chose Lesley's Independent Study Degree Program because it allowed me to create an archaeoastronomy master's program when none have existed before. My studies include researching and writing papers on specific topics in archaeoastronomy, observing the sky to track the movements of the sun, moon and stars, doing field work at a local cultural site and being tutored in trigonometry. It is my perfect mix of traditional book learning and active experiential learning, allowing me to construct my own knowledge on my own terms.

The best part about Lesley's independent study program is the flexibility. Flexibility to combine studying with work and personal obligations, flexibility to live across the country yet still have access to Lesley's resources, and flexibility to adapt my study plan as it fluidly evolves. I am extremely fortunate to have knowledgeable, supportive advisors who challenge me, who share their expertise with me, and who introduce me to new ideas and opportunities. Through their guidance, I am constantly refining my areas of interest. My education is a work in progress and it is exciting to think about where I will be when I graduate".

Linda Cass

"After pursuing and receiving a B.A. in Psychology I made a conscious choice to leave the academic world and join the real world. I felt that experiential learning was, by far, a more valuable option and I embraced it with vigor. Spending several years as a member of a Kibbutz in Israel, marrying, and raising four children provided me with uncountable opportunities for hands-on learning and on-the-job training. My involvement with the emotional and educational development of my own children and other children in my community enabled me to see first-hand the different sides of public and private education, homeschooling, gifted and LD labeling, and a host of other issues in the field of Education. After several years of periodically rereading the description of Lesley's INDS Program, I came to the conclusion that this program would offer me the opportunity to create a framework for the informal education that I receive in my daily life. This year I was finally ready to take on the challenge, and the support and encouragement of the staff at Lesley has kept me on track. Designing my own eclectic program of education, creating challenges for myself, consulting with professionals, and learning while doing, are all embodiments of the principles and philosophies of a real education that I have been developing over the years. My advisor encourages me to value my own thoughts and conclusions, and to continue reflecting on all of the experiences in my life as they add to the body of knowledge that I'm acquiring through INDS. With its acceptance of online courses, workshops, reading, writing, and discussion of my choice, this program provides a model for the way all schools ought to show respect for their adult students. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to formalize my advanced education while continuing to live as I always have – learning from my surroundings and from the people with whom I interact on a daily basis".

Pete Kovner

" I am an INDS student working towards a Master's Degree in Drama Therapy Studies in conjunction with the Omega Transpersonal Drama Therapy Certificate program. My original goals were to widen and deepen my understanding and skills as a consultant, facilitator and guide to businesses, non-profits and individuals. However, these goals are evolving as I move through the educational process and my horizon widens.

Graduating from Middlebury College in the late '60s with a Degree in American History, I pursued a career in theater, training in New York at the Stella Adler Studio as well as in the avant-garde movements of the day. I moved to Boston to join a political performance company called Caravan Theater, and for the next 30 years, while raising my family, I made my life and living in New England theater, television, radio, commercials and movies. During that time, I was deeply involved in the theatrical unions, serving as President of New England Screen Actor's Guild; helping to create a prosperous community and fair work environment while mentoring younger actors. Performance was a means of creativity, self-expression and artistic discipline, made more satisfying when at the service of a greater social purpose. I enjoy the interplay and tension between art, society, politics and business, using the qualities of each to focus and ameliorate the other.

My interest slowly shifted away from self-expression towards helping others find meaning and express themselves.  This led me to investigate Drama Therapy as a medium for self-discovery, communication, healing and change. I did so, first, on a workshop basis, being quite skeptical about the added benefit of an academic degree program. However, in coordination with Omega, Lesley's INDS program has proved deep, wide and rigorous. My professors have been experienced in their careers, current in their field and excellent as teachers".