This memoir is the journey of Yvette L. Pye earning her Ph.D. and being at Saint Mary's despite being born in the projects, abandoned by drug-addicted parents and being underprepared to do so. "Finally, I want to contribute the perspective of an African-American who has lived in urban spaces to the discipline of Geography, which heretofore has been the academic domain of the white male. It is important to me to share a glimpse of life on life's terms for us juxtaposed to their philosophical positions. I believe there are fewer than ten African American Geographers with PhDs in America. I pray that number will grow." The first chapter Why Geography? explains her life's trajectory including exploring the world through books as a child in the projects, examining the ghetto space, and youth development. The second chapter explores choices and decisions made while attempting to add some scholarship to passion and the findings from the Master's degree research. In chapter three there is a look at the highs and lows of the dissertation journey. The fourth chapter explores life after graduate school: job search, family, and career. Chapter five provides a glimpse into her faith life and the miracles that manifested over a lifetime. The sixth chapter reveals what she has come to know for certain: the importance of genuine care, rising above mediocrity, and dreaming big. The seventh chapter explains how discovering the importance of running one's own race: diligence, resiliency, and agency. The book concludes with Years of New Beginnings: The pros and cons of having a home university, studying abroad in Kenya, the importance of finding one's purpose. For your viewing pleasure and dialogue needs, there are photos and a discussion guide included.
Author Biography
Dr. Yvette LaShone Pye is an Associate Professor at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in the Doctor of Leadership Program where she enjoys teaching and advising doctoral students. The classes include: Advanced Teaching Techniques for Adult Learners, Environmental Analysis, Communication in Adult Settings, Systematic Instructional Design, Theories of Adult Learning, and Qualitative Research Design, Methods non-Western Cultural Thought: An Ethnographic Approach to Research and Leadership, Memoir: Telling Our Stories, Getting Published, Designing Culturally Responsive Teaching, and Principles of Culturally Responsive Classroom and Teaching. She also continues to work in community and youth services, mentoring, speaking, and leadership.
