Arlee:
Congratulations may you be continue to be blessed with wealth health and great success keep being amazing
Malinda Gossett:
I am so proud of you.You've done what you wanted to do in life.You've had children.Would you take care of to the utmost and you continue your education?You're just like one of my kids.That's the pride of a mother that I have for you. Love.
You so much
Tessie
Mae
Butler
The degree of
Master of Library and Information Science
Virtual Convocation
2025
PROFILE
Current residence: Los Angeles, CA, US
I wanted to earn a masters degree because:
I wanted to earn a Master’s in Library and Information Science because I believe libraries are more than just buildings with books; they’re places of belonging, access, and empowerment. As a mother, a caregiver, and a community advocate, I’ve seen how powerful it is when people, especially children, see themselves reflected in stories and have the tools to grow and learn. This degree is my next step toward creating inclusive, culturally-rooted literacy spaces where everyone feels welcome. Whether through storytimes, early learning programs, or community resources, I want to help families thrive. I’m earning my MLIS to turn my lived experiences, passion for equity, and love for learning into lasting impact.
While earning my degree, my greatest supporters were:
While earning my degree, my greatest supporters were my children, who unknowingly inspired me every single day. Their curiosity, energy, and unconditional love reminded me why I started this journey in the first place: to help build a future where literacy, equity, and opportunity are within every child’s reach. My partner, who is also the father of our children, was my unwavering support system. He stood by me as I juggled coursework, internship hours, parenting, and everything in between. From late-night pep talks to tag-teaming bedtime routines or simply making sure I ate during marathon study sessions, he never let me fall. Even when I was running on fumes, he believed in me, and that belief carried me through. I’m also deeply grateful for my professors, mentors, classmates, and friends who encouraged me, lifted me up, and reminded me that I truly belong in this field. This degree is not mine alone, it’s a collective achievement. It belongs to my family, my village, and everyone who helped me reach this milestone.
What I liked best about online learning was:
What I liked best about online learning was the flexibility to balance my roles as a mother, student, and professional without having to choose one over the other. Being able to learn on my own schedule, whether it was early in the morning before the kids woke up or late at night after a long day, allowed me to stay present for my family while still pursuing my goals. I also appreciated how online learning taught me to be more self-disciplined, resourceful, and organized. It pushed me to advocate for myself, connect with professors and peers in creative ways, and find my voice in digital spaces. And honestly, I loved being able to learn in my cozy clothes, with a cup of hot tea, and my twins giggling in the background. It made the journey feel like my own, real, human, and deeply personal.
What I enjoyed most about my experience at the SJSU School of Information was:
What I enjoyed most about my SJSU experience at the School of Information was discovering how much my voice and lived experience matter in this field. The program allowed me to explore my passions, early literacy, inclusion, and community engagement, while balancing motherhood and personal growth. I felt supported, seen, and inspired every step of the way, and I’m leaving with both the confidence and clarity to serve with purpose.
I plan to use my degree to:
I plan to use my degree to create inclusive, culturally responsive literacy programs that uplift children, families, and communities who are often overlooked. Whether it’s through public libraries, school partnerships, or my own Lit for Littles brand, I want to design resources and experiences that affirm identity, spark joy, and make learning feel accessible and meaningful for all. My MLIS is more than a degree, it’s a tool for advocacy, creativity, and community care. I’m stepping into this field to serve with heart, lead with purpose, and build spaces where everyone feels they belong.
Now that I have completed the program, I'm most looking forward to:
Now that I have completed the program, I’m most looking forward to putting everything I’ve learned into action, serving my community, supporting families, and creating literacy experiences that are joyful, inclusive, and culturally grounded. I’m excited to step fully into my role as an advocate and educator, whether it’s through public library work, outreach, or building my Lit for Littles brand into a trusted resource for caregivers and educators. More than anything, I’m looking forward to showing up for others as my full, authentic self, with knowledge, purpose, and heart.
Arlee: Congratulations may you be continue to be blessed with wealth health and great success keep being amazing
Malinda Gossett: I am so proud of you.You've done what you wanted to do in life.You've had children.Would you take care of to the utmost and you continue your education?You're just like one of my kids.That's the pride of a mother that I have for you. Love. You so much