The University of Miami buzzed with excitement during its annual Family Weekend, as visiting families brought a wave of energy to campus that easily outshone the occasional rain shower. Amidst the university wide celebrations, the School of Education and Human Development ( SEHD) curated a series of special events that highlighted its supportive environment and dedication to student success, truly bringing the "TransformED" vision to life.
The weekend's festivities for the SEHD community began with a warm and personal touch. The school hosted a First Year Family Meet and Greet, creating an intimate space for new students and their families to connect. The highlight of the morning was a special "cafecito" hosted by Dean Laura Kohn-Wood in her dean's suite. Sharing her own sentiment as the parent of a first-year UM student, Dean Kohn-Wood welcomed first year family members with coffee, fresh fruit, and pastries. The energy was wonderfully engaging as parents, students, faculty, and the school's leadership, including the dean, senior vice dean, associate dean, department chairs, and program directors mingled, networked, and shared stories, truly embodying the supportive nature of the SEHD family.
The inspirational momentum continued into the afternoon with the school's annual " MindED: Minding Your Career with Education" event. The event drew a crowd of nearly 100 students, family members, and faculty. The centerpiece of the afternoon was a dynamic panel discussion featuring SEHD alumni and current students, moderated by Imani Callan, a "Double Cane" currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Higher Education at the University of Georgia's McBee Institute of Higher Education.
The panel provided a wealth of diverse experience and candid advice, featuring Sebastian Borges, a recent SEHD graduate (B.S. '23) and current M.D. student at the Miller School of Medicine; Emily Goldstein, a recent graduate (B.S.Ed. '24) now pursuing a master's in Counseling at Boston College after completing a Master's in Education at Harvard University; Maurice Manswell (Class of 2025), a current M.S.Ed. student in Sports Administration, former UM football player, and the founder of VarsityGripz; and Yanni Tiimob (Class of 2028), a sophomore in the innovative Data Analytics and Intelligence for Social Impact (DAISI) program.
— Sebastian Borges, SEHD Graduate
Guided by moderator Imani Callan, the panelists shared authentic stories about their academic and professional journeys, offering insights on everything from building resilience to the power of networking and mentorship. Their personal stories powerfully illustrated the impact of an SEHD education. "I have always dreamed of becoming a physician, and the SEHD gave me the opportunity to explore that passion," shared Sebastian Borges, reflecting on how his undergraduate major set the stage for his medical career. Yanni Tiimob spoke to the real-world application of his studies, noting how the DAISI program is empowering him with "the tools of data science... to become a real changemaker."
— Maurice Manswell, Current M.S.Ed. Student
The conversation also highlighted the importance of mindset and community. Maurice Manswell offered words of encouragement on facing challenges: "You must always be able to adapt, not react. Once you love what you do, it will never feel like work." Echoing the theme of community, Emily Goldstein expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am deeply grateful for the professors, mentors, supervisors, and peers who have aided tremendously in my growth as both a person and a professional."
— Dean Laura Kohn-Wood
The event concluded with a visionary and inspiring message from Dean Kohn-Wood. She thanked the panelists for their honesty and courage, emphasizing that the gathering was a perfect example of the school's vision in motion. "Education is not just about what we learn in the classroom," Dean Kohn-Wood stated. "It's about resilience...connection...and finding purpose... This room is TransformED in action." Addressing the parents, she expressed her gratitude, saying, "Your belief in your children makes everything possible."
Following the panel, the event transitioned into the "Connect and Converse" networking session, where students, families, faculty, and alumni engaged in lively conversation, forging new connections and strengthening the bonds of the SEHD community.
The SEHD's Family Weekend events were a powerful showcase of the community's collective energy and impact-driven spirit. The school's faculty and staff are deeply dedicated to creating this sense of belonging and possibility to support the success of all our students and alumni. Thank you to all the students, parents, and panelists who attended and made the event enjoyable and memorable. SEHD is excited to continue this annual tradition to support students and alumni in shaping the future.
