Thanks to our many supporters, we can once again offer paid professional development opportunities for students with disabilities to work at the Longmore Institute! After receiving many applications, we are pleased to introduce Burak, Martha, and Victoria
Burak Arcan
Bachelor of Arts, Florida State University, 2006
Master of Arts, Bilkent University, 2012
My archaeological endeavors started on the playground of my kindergarten. I have received my formal education in archeology at Florida State University and Bilkent University. Although my intention was to dig in dirt under the hot sun, my interest grew in digging in social theory. My specialty in graduate school was Early Bronze Age, the birth of civilization. Based on my research, there is evidence that building of sociocultural identities through media played a great role in the creation of functional economic systems. From that point on I also came to the realization that without social injustice or social identities, economical systems in large scales do not exist. Intentionality of such systems is questionable, yet justifications of economical systems are imbedded in our fundamental stories we call myth. While pondering on such issues, I had my introduction to disabilities by an accident. Two and a half years ago, I was run over by a car while riding my motorcycle to teach the last class of the semester. Before this event, just as many members of our society, I did not have a passing thought about disability awareness. I relocated to the Bay Area as I needed daily assistance in my recovery, beginning with simple everyday tasks. After I was able to walk without the assistance of a walker and crutches, I started to volunteer with Bay Area Outdoors and Recreation (BORP). I really appreciated the volunteers who assisted me to get outdoors while I was in the rehab hospital. Therefore, my initial intention was to give back to the community. My experiences with BORP eventually led me volunteering with Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind. I really enjoyed the social interactions within the community of visual impairments, and I made the decision to enroll in the Orientation and Mobility master program at San Francisco State University. At the Longmore Institute, I am looking forward to greatly expanding my understanding of social construction of disabilities and disability activism.
Martha Jimenez
My name is Martha Jimenez and I’m a third year transfer to San Francisco State University. I’m from Walnut Creek, a small town in the East Bay. I’m a first generation college student and very excited to see what’s in store for me here at State. I’m a psychology major and hoping to work with young kids in the near future. I’m very excited for the opportunity to work with the Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability. I was diagnosed with both a learning disability and Scoliosis at a young age. I felt like I easily stood out with having an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and needing a back brace. Looking back, I realize how much these experiences have made a strong impact on who I am today. I gained a different experience than many my age but by no means was it a lesser one. Throughout my experiences, I’ve realized it’s hard for some people to understand and except those with disabilities. This is why I’m so excited to become a working member of the Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability, where they strive to inform the community and change social views on disabilities.
Victoria Lynn Fremont
I am a fifth year history major at State, graduating in December. I am hoping to come back to State for the Fall 2018 school year to get my teaching credential. My goal is to teach junior year US history. I also work jobs as a nanny, a barista, and on occasion a security guard for the SF Giants. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and exploring the city. My interest in working at the Longmore Institute stems from my love for history and the information I have learned from studying disability history in one of my major courses.