Gabriela S.
Finding My Voice as a Researcher
Lumiere taught me that research is not about blindly accepting what scholars have already written, but about actively contributing to the conversation. Throughout the program, I learned to question existing arguments, look for missing data and perspectives, and think critically about whether the evidence actually supports the conclusions being made. Most importantly, I gained confidence in my own voice as a researcher. I realized that even as a student, I can identify gaps in established research and ask questions that challenge existing assumptions. This made me much more comfortable contributing to academic discussions rather than simply taking published information for granted. I believe this shift in mindset will stay with me far beyond the program. It has made me more curious, critical, and confident in forming my own opinions, and, more importantly, in being willing to defend and question them.




