Meet the Staff: Déja Motley
More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.
What do you like most about your job?
I love that I get to work for a university that represents my hometown. I can interact with fellow Chicagoans and a global community within the university campus. Seeing and interacting with a diverse population and various cultures is an amazing experience. I lived overseas in a homogenous country for almost a decade, so I appreciate the diversity here at UChicago. It is food for the mind and soul.
What was the last good book you read?
I read NPR's Podcast Start-Up Guide by Glen Weldon because I started a podcast for my department and needed to learn the basics. It was very informative. Normally, I love reading self-development and psychology books. I also love reading books on how various races and ethnicities have developed their cultures and communication as this relates to my job.
You might work with me if …
You are part of the Division of the Humanities and are referring international students who have learned English as a Second Language (ESL) to my office, the English Language Institute (ELI). Or maybe you need help with ESL or pedagogy support for your international students. You could also just stop by our office to say hello. We love meeting people at the ELI.
What was the most memorable class you took as a student, and what made it stand out for you?
I took a reconciliation and forgiveness class while studying global religions during my second year in graduate school. I learned so many people have complex relationships and pasts where they have been hurt and don't know how to heal. As a society, we don't have the tools for dealing with conflict and interpersonal relationships while consistently creating conflict or finding ourselves in it. People are stressed and confused. I think nationally, we need to revisit concepts such as mental health, diplomacy, empathy, service, kindness, love, and conflict resolution. It's time to get back to the basics.
