This February, Penn Arts and Sciences presented the 2018 Grad Ben Talks, an afternoon of TED Talk-style presentations by graduate students representing the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and professional master’s programs.
Rashida Holmes, who received her undergraduate degree from Penn in Cultural Anthropology and will be graduating this spring with a Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) from the College of Liberal and Professional Studies, presented her capstone research, entitled “How Black Women's Self-Perception Can Inform More Effective Public Health Messaging Around Obesity.” Rashida designed her MLA experience around an intersection of academic and personal interests: gender studies, sexuality, art history, race and identity theory, and body and fat studies.
Hear more from Rashida on her research and experiences in the MLA program
Body image and healthcare:
“The topic of body image and healthcare is an important one because it affects so many of us. Negative body image, in particular, has become increasingly problematic—and not just for women and girls. And it's also affecting people at younger and younger ages. I think that aspect of it speaks to its impact on emotional and psychological health and therefore as a public health issue as well. My project juxtaposes body image and healthcare with a twist: I am curious about how and why Black women seem to be somewhat buffered from negative external messaging about bodies and how this body positivity might inform a more effective framework for public health messaging directed toward this community.”
Penn’s MLA program:
“I needed the flexibility to choose a course of study that I could customize. At this stage in my life, I didn't want to be locked into a program that would not have been a good fit for me. The MLA program is designed to allow you to choose your own path, but also to allow a path to choose you. I wanted to have both an academically rigorous and fun experience. What's great about the program is realizing that because I was encouraged to explore and connect multiple disciplines, I discovered a niche where I can make a positive impact.
“My experience in the MLA program has been overwhelmingly positive. The program advisors and staff have been so helpful, guiding me along at every step of the way. There was never a time where I felt alone or in the dark about what to expect next—or what to do next. I received a tremendous amount of guidance and never felt like a number. Because of the size of the program, I've also gotten to know many of the other students. I've learned a lot from their studies and projects since many of us have taken several classes together.
“I have been pleasantly surprised by so many things! For one, while I liked the idea of taking a class from the comfort of my home, I didn't expect to enjoy the online courses as much as I did. One of my first online courses, Academic Writing and Research Design, was outstanding. It helped set me up for success in completing my final project. Also, if I'm honest, I came into the program without a hard timeline. I planned to go at a leisurely pace and only take classes that I knew I would love. Because the MLA program has such exciting course offerings, I am graduating much sooner than I imagined I would! Finally, I am really pleased that the program provides students with lots of opportunities to foster community.”
What’s next:
“In the immediate future, I hope to work with local community health leaders and stakeholders to further develop and publish a health literacy guide. My goal is to help those who may feel stigmatized when seeking healthcare to feel empowered, or at least comfortable, in their interactions with care providers. Had it not been for the MLA, this project might never have come to fruition, and I'd like to take it as far as I can. What I love about the MLA is that it has helped me to have a much broader outlook on my future. I can choose to pursue multiple interests separately or in such a way that they dovetail into one another. And the MLA has certainly cemented my identity as a life-long learner and is a great stepping stone for me as I decide whether to pursue another degree or life path.”
