In the academic world, choices can be overwhelming. Dedric Joubert II’s story stands as a testament to the transformative power of higher education. As a recent graduate of the American Studies program at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), Dedric’s unique journey, marked by resilience, determination, and a passion for justice, sheds light on the effectiveness of the cross-disciplinary approach in general, and the distinctive opportunities offered by UTD’s School of Interdisciplinary Studies in particular.
A Rocky Start
Dedric’s academic journey began with its fair share of challenges. At 17, he enrolled at Lone Star Community College in Houston, where he struggled to find his footing and soon faced academic warning with a 1.2 GPA. Overwhelmed by the pressures of college, he took a hiatus and worked in a warehouse, where he soon realized the importance of obtaining a degree. With newfound focus, Dedric returned to education.
“I was focused and driven and able to bring my GPA from a 1.2 up to a 3.6,” Dedric recalls.
Choosing UTD: A Diverse and Welcoming Community
Upon touring UTD, Dedric found a home in what he calls a “diverse and welcoming” academic community. Drawn to the university’s “academic drive,” he appreciated the concentration of like-minded students dedicated to their studies. “I heard it wasn’t a party school, and when I got here, I realized, ‘Oh, it’s really not a party school!’…Everybody’s focused, everybody’s doing their work. And if you’re in that type of environment, how could you not do your work? I thought it would make me a better student just by being around better students.” He was right. “I had to get a 4.0 pretty much 4 or 5 straight semesters to raise my GPA,” he recalls, reflecting on a meteoric educational trajectory.
In his pursuit of a degree, Dedric deliberately sought a program that offered both diversity and flexibility. Eschewing the traditional Political Science undergraduate program traditionally sought by students who, like Dedric, plan to attend law school, he took a different approach.
“I wanted to do something a little different because I knew I wouldn’t stand out if I was PoliSci. So, I found the American Studies program at UTD and I felt like it was a really good opportunity,” Dedric explains, emphasizing the allure of the program’s customizable nature.
“I heard it wasn’t a party school, and when I got here, I realized, ‘Oh, it’s really not a party school!’”
Dedric joubert ii
Designing A Degree in American Studies
The American Studies program at UTD offers a unique approach to education, allowing students to tailor their degrees with concentrations. Dedric found this particularly appealing, noting, “You can take pretty much take whatever class you want. Choose your concentration. That was very influential to the decision.”
Dedric’s choice of his two option areas, plus adding a Political Science minor, exemplifies the program’s flexibility. This not only allowed him to pursue his academic interests but also provided a solid foundation for his future aspirations in law.
“I felt that it made the most sense to choose Law, Legality, and Culture, because that’s where I’m trying to go, and then Race and Ethnicity as well because that’s just something that’s very important to me, with my own race,” Dedric explains, emphasizing the connection between his coursework and his personal convictions.
Preparation for Law School and Real-World Challenges
Dedric’s coursework delved into a diverse range of topics, from criminal justice and immigration to juvenile crime, corrections, and the Civil Rights movement in Texas. He notes, “Working as an attorney, you have to know people. You have to understand people and their backgrounds and their stories. And this major has honestly prepared me well for that.”
American Studies, Dedric has learned, reaches deep into psychology, sociology, criminology, and beyond. “I’m really learning about the culture of America, how the country works, all these intertwining things that have prepared me to apply for law school.”
His dedication to understanding societal issues reflects a broader commitment to addressing the underrepresentation of certain groups within the legal profession. “I want to give back. We’re underrepresented within the law world, and when I chose to go into law, I wanted to show younger kids that look like me, you can do this,” Dedric states, embodying the spirit of giving back to his community.
“Working as an attorney, you have to know people. You have to understand people and their backgrounds and their stories. And this major has honestly prepared me well for that.”
dedric joubert ii
An I.S. Alumnus Committed to Giving Back
As Dedric looks forward to taking the LSAT and applying to law schools, he plans to remain connected with UTD and the School of Interdisciplinary Studies by joining the Alumni Association. His commitment to giving back stems from a deep appreciation for the opportunities and personal growth he has experienced since he transferred here.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity UTD has provided me, and for offering such a cool major,” Dedric said. “I feel like I came to college, and I didn’t just get a degree, I also became a better person because of the content I was learning, and the classes I was taking.”
#CreateTheFuture with American Studies at UTD
Dedric’s journey underscores the unique opportunities the American Studies degree provides to students like him seeking meaningful careers in law, criminal justice, and public service. His story showcases the invaluable contributions of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, which roots multifaceted degrees in a solid core of liberal arts and sciences. The AMS program in particular is vital to our community’s future. Abraham Lincoln said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Scholars like Dedric are taking the integrative and socially conscious education they received at UTD’s School of I.S. into a world that sorely needs them, creating a future they can be proud of.
In celebrating Dedric Joubert II’s achievements, we celebrate the potential for transformation and growth that education, particularly through interdisciplinary studies, can offer. His story is not just about overcoming obstacles but about choosing a path that aligns with one’s values and aspirations—an ethos that defines the American Studies program at UTD.