Stefani Jovcheska

I am pleased to reflect upon my distinctive journey as the first scholar from North Macedonia to pursue studies at the Stanford GSE. This achievement remains and will remain a source of great pride and honor.

From the very beginning of my academic journey, I’ve encountered various transitions – from changes in school length and adapting to new assessments, to witnessing a couple of education reform movements. All of these experiences have given me a distinct outlook on education’s role, highlighting how it shapes individuals and societies through challenges and change. Change might be tough, but it’s often necessary for progress. Once I finished college, I realized I needed just that.

The most important change for me was becoming a master’s student at Stanford. My growing interest in education and policy led me to enroll in the International Education Policy Analysis (IEPA) master’s program at Stanford GSE. This decision resulted in significant personal and academic growth, sharpening my analytical skills and deepening my understanding of the mechanisms that drive educational change.

The IEPA program has been an invaluable source of learning for me. In addition to sharpening my research skills, I’ve acquired practical techniques encompassing policy analysis, adept question framing, and the art of crafting persuasive papers. Beyond the methodologies, this research-centered education has nurtured my critical thinking prowess and refined my overall analytical capabilities. Empowered with this skillset, I’ve gained the confidence to deftly navigate intricate policy landscapes and approach challenges with a more deliberate perspective.

The program’s exceptional versatility not only draws you in but also becomes a driving force to stay engaged in the field of education. The faculty members’ profound wealth of knowledge infuses every conversation with an invigorating sense of curiosity and purpose. Each interaction leaves you inspired to delve deeper, to achieve more, and to consistently strive for your personal best.

Central to my master’s journey was the exploration of pertinent issues within my home country – North Macedonia. The dual concerns of brain drain and corruption in the higher education landscape emerged as significant focal points. These challenges ignited my dedication to investigating how trust and effective policies are forged in the face of such obstacles. My master’s paper delved into these questions, underscoring the importance of integrity, transparency, and well-structured policies in bolstering quality education.

Stanford’s dynamic academic environment, characterized by an exceptional faculty and multifaceted courses, profoundly shaped my intellectual growth. The program’s versatility provided me a compelling incentive to stay committed to education. The professors’ thorough knowledge and expertise made every conversation with them an invitation to explore further, achieve, and strive for more. Their unique insights activated different facets of my thinking – analytical, research-oriented, philosophical, and sociological. If one were to ask what holistic education is, Stanford GSE has it.

A significant highlight of my studies at Stanford is the captivating blend of disciplines within the classroom. During statistics, professors would encourage you to consider a philosophical perspective. Conversely, in philosophy, you would be prompted to approach the subject from numerical, logical, and statistical viewpoints. This interplay of perspectives, coupled with the diverse range of opinions creates an incomparable learning environment. Each class becomes a captivating experience in its own right, akin to an engaging showcase of insights and perspectives. No matter how many favorable adjectives I include, rest assured this is not an exaggeration – it genuinely is the reality.

In addition to taking eye-opening classes, my involvement as a Research Assistant at Wotipka’s Lab offered practical experience in data collection, further refining my research skills and complementing the theoretical knowledge gained during the program.

Looking ahead, my aspirations are deeply rooted in education policy. I am particularly drawn to contributing to governmental initiatives, especially within my country – North Macedonia. By addressing issues in the education realm, I hope to play a part in fostering positive change and ensuring access to quality education.

In conclusion, Stanford stands as a pivotal chapter in my academic and personal evolution. The experiences gained, knowledge acquired, and connections forged have positioned me to embark on a purposeful trajectory of effecting change in education policy, both locally and beyond.

I cannot be more grateful and proud of myself. I think it’s just how Stanford makes you feel. Graduating gives you one degree and tons of gratitude.