Photo: “Sometimes I feel like I fell into this job.” Thashika Pillay, assistant professor in the Faculty of Education, didn’t go into grad school planning to become an academic. Rather, the supportive community of senior PhD students around her, other BIPOC scholars, and mentors opened her eyes to the possibility of a career in academia. “I know without BIPOC scholars talking to me about the possibility of doing a PhD, I wouldn’t have done it.” Shobhana Xavier, professor in the Religious Studies School, also didn’t see herself as an academic until she became one. Growing up, she had never considered academia as a possible career and didn’t personally know any academics. She’s excited about her position as someone who can make academia seem more accessible for current students.