Hello, My Name Is: Leah Labrecque
Current Role (and Program) at GSLIS: I am in my first semester of the dual degree LIS/Children’s Literature program.
Major in College: BFA in writing, literature, and publishing at Emerson College, class of 2005
Previous experience: My relevant library experience is as a reader and a patron. I also have several years of childcare under my belt, and most of my jobs served children in one way or another.
What brought you to GSLIS: My application to grad schools was a whirlwind process. In the spring of 2010, I had what I can only describe as an epiphany: I wanted to become a children’s librarian. Grad school was in my future after all. About three years ago, I looked into the children’s literature program at Simmons, but I wasn’t ready to write papers again, and I couldn’t justify getting another degree that didn’t prepare me for a specific career. So this past April, the day after I applied to the LIS program at the University of Rhode Island, I found out that Simmons offered a dual degree program for library science and children’s literature. Everything seemed right about it. IÂ’d get to prepare for a fulfilling career while establishing a scholarly regard for the books I love so dearly. Not to mention how much I loved living in Boston the first time around!
How does your experience at GSLIS compare to previous education or work experiences? In my undergrad work, my idea of what I would someday become was amorphous at best. At different points in my studies, I thought I wanted to write for magazines, or to write childrenÂ’s books, or to become a childrenÂ’s book editor. Here at Simmons GSLIS, I know exactly where IÂ’m going. I am so happy to be working toward a specific goal that even though the work involved in getting there is daunting, it already feels worth it.
Professional Goals, Personal interests, favorite thing about GSLIS, surprising GSLIS fact, anything else you would like them to know about you. What I love about GSLIS is being surrounded by intelligent, competent individuals whose goals and interests I share. I find it an incredibly encouraging community. As for me, I feel great knowing I’m finally ready to do the hard work. I’m thrilled to be living in the Boston area again – give it up for Watertown! I did a ton of exploring during my undergrad years here, and now that I’m married, in grad school, and have a child, I don’t expect to be moving again anytime soon. To make a region really feel like home, I’m always looking for new places to eat, hike, watch birds (Simmons is right near the Fens – score!), find bargains, and get into the culture of a specific area. There’s always time to explore!