Dravida Huda at graduation, June 2024
Dravida Huda completed her MA in English in June 2024, and was supervised by Dr. Jennifer Gustar. Her thesis, titled, “Intergenerational Conflict and Diasporic Identity: A Study of Memory and Affect in Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake and The Lowland,” contributes not only to the ongoing critical discussion on Lahiri’s work but also to more general studies of diaspora, memory and affect.
“In the thesis I argue that in Lahiri’s work and the diasporic context she represents in her fiction, the affects that accompany migration and which are attached to certain withheld memories of the first generation move intergenerationally and impact the second generation’s process of identity-formation.”
We asked Dravida to discuss her experience at UBCO as a master’s student.
Why did you choose to apply to the MA in English program here at UBCO?
I have always nurtured a dream of studying at UBC. The inspiration initially came from one of my most favourite professors back in Bangladesh, who also went to the same school. When I applied to the MA in English program at UBCO, I was looking for a program that would fit my interest in South Asian anglophone literature with a focus on migration, diaspora, and place studies. The MA in English program at UBCO was a perfect fit in that case, as the program focuses on the theme of literature and place. As well, I looked up the faculty profiles, and found out about Dr. Jennifer Gustar’s extensive work on South Asian literature, which greatly interested me to work under her supervision.
Tell us about the road to earning your UBC degree.
The road to earning my MA in English degree at UBCO has been one of its kind. As an international student, I found myself not only challenged by certain academic practices that were new to me, but also excited about crossing the hurdles one by one. The diverse list of courses available in my program helped me to learn a great deal about extensive research and critical thinking, which eventually enabled me to power through the initial stage of my studies and eventually prepare for writing my thesis. Besides completing the coursework and writing the thesis, I presented parts of my working thesis project in the FCCS Research Series in 2023, which boosted my confidence and conviction about my work. I am incredibly grateful to my supervisor Dr. Jennifer Gustar for her constant support and guidance throughout the journey, from completing the coursework to writing and defending my thesis. I am also grateful to the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies at UBCO for awarding me with the Graduate Dean’s Thesis Fellowship, which really smoothened the journey up.
How did your professors support you throughout your degree?
I have been immensely fortunate to find a support system in my professors at UBCO. The profs who taught the courses I took and TAed for, and the profs who worked with me on my thesis project—all of them have been thoroughly supportive.
Working with Dr. Jennifer Gustar has been the most rewarding learning experience of my life. Dr. Gustar’s way of supervising her students’ work is effectively a two-way street, which enabled every possibility of mutual dialogue, discussion, and debate for us, and made the whole experience of learning sustainable. I would also like to emphasize her ability to accommodate international students in the most welcoming manner possible, which made me feel at home in Canada since the very beginning of my journey.
I am incredibly thankful to my thesis committee members, Dr. Sakiru Adebayo Dr. Lisa Grekul, for their detailed and feedback on my thesis. It is with the help of their constant inspiration and prompt response on my work that I could fine tune the project and finish without requiring any further revision.
What are your plans now that you have completed your master’s degree?
I have always wanted to find a career path in any capacity that offers opportunities for quality research and effective academic practice. With that in mind, I am currently focused on taking my expertise in my area of interest to the next level. Moving forward, I am determined to embark on a PhD journey, so that I can emerge as a strong critical voice in South Asian diaspora matters as well as the studies of intergenerational memory and affect.