by LaKisha Barrett, PhD, Associate Professor & Associate Dean of Purpose & Belonging, Highland Campus
In its most basic form, hunger is an emphatic drive that compels us to seek sustenance for our physical well-being. This human need, deeply ingrained in our biology, ensures our survival and transformation. This transformation is at the cellular level, converting food to chemical energy to fuel our cells and growth. Our whole being (cells to organs) needs the nourishment.
Extending this concept to academia, we encounter a similar life-sustaining craving: academic hunger. This is an intense desire for educational success and personal growth to transform the future. This hunger is resounding and often untapped among students who are underserved, underprepared, underinspired, and overburdened by the strains of life. Academic hunger is about more than just the quest for grades or degrees. It is a deep yearning for empowerment and self-improvement, a drive to overcome obstacles and achieve personal goals. For students facing significant barriers, academic hunger becomes a manifestation of resilience, a determination to find inspiration amidst challenges, and a commitment to turning aspirations into reality- transforming generations to come.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that real hunger—physical, emotional, and psychological needs—must be addressed for academic hunger to be fully realized. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, basic physiological and safety needs must be met before pursuing higher-level goals such as esteem and self-actualization, which are vital for academic success. Students struggling with food insecurity, financial instability, or lack of emotional support may find it challenging to focus on their studies and fully engage in their academic pursuits.
Therefore, fostering a sense of community and providing access to resources is paramount for raising awareness of and nurturing academic hunger. When students feel connected to a supportive community and have their basic needs met, they are better equipped to focus on their academic and life goals. This includes access to food, safe housing, financial aid, mental health support, and a sense of belonging and identity within the academic community. Belonging is the foundation of success- when students don’t feel othered due to a lack of knowledge, resources, and opportunities, they begin to blossom. Belonging transforms and fuels academic hunger into a sense of purpose, leading to increased retention, persistence, and, ultimately, lifelong learning and success. The journey through academia, especially for those from marginalized backgrounds, often feels like navigating a vast, uncharted territory with few familiar faces, stories, educational norms and expectations, and career possibilities. The hunger for academic success is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about seeing ourselves reflected in that knowledge, feeling a sense of belonging in the discipline, and being affirmed to bring their authentic selves to their career.
Inclusive educational environments where students see themselves reflected in their course materials, hear diverse voices in their lectures, and encounter role models who mirror their own experiences strengthen their sense of belonging. This representation is not just about visibility; it’s about validating the aspirations and struggles of students from all walks of life.
For students battling against the odds, academic hunger manifests as a resilience to push through and past obstacles and a determination to find inspiration in unlikely places. It is about committing to the journey of transforming aspirations into tangible achievements. However, the path to nurturing this hunger is not a solitary one. It requires a supportive ecosystem that acknowledges each student’s unique strengths and struggles and provides the necessary resources, affirmation, and encouragement to keep their hunger for learning alive. This hunger continues to fuel my journey and transformation.
I Toil, by LaKisha Barrett, PhD
I speak in dreams, I speak of hopes, I speak of change, I speak because I can.
I toil because the seeds of change need tending, water, and positive intent.
I transfer energy because it was transferred to me.
I rejoice in other’s successes because I flourish when I feel the inspiration and manifestation of our collective dreams.
I toil because I speak in dreams.