Anna Maria Del Fiorentino, PhD candidate, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge (CLAREC member)
The Cambridge Latin American Research in Education Collective (CLAREC) introduces “Across the Meadows,” a scholarly podcast initiative by Anna Maria Del Fiorentino, a member of the collective and a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge. This podcast series explores the personal and academic trajectories of scholars and their experiences of belonging and identity, set within the culturally rich and historically significant environment of Grantchester Meadows.
In the inaugural episode “Heidy M. Pérez-Cordero | Bridging Worlds, Immigration, and Belonging“, guest Heidy M. Pérez-Cordero, fellow CLAREC member, PhD candidate at Cambridge’s Faculty of Education, and affiliated with Murray Edwards College, delves deeply into her journey through education and migration. Pérez-Cordero recounts her professional transition from school drama educator to doctoral researcher examining immigrant heritage language teachers in the United Kingdom. Her narrative critically interrogates assumptions surrounding the notion of ‘accidental’ career paths among immigrant educators, while addressing structural barriers such as ethnic penalties, labour market resilience, and the complexities underlying professional identity formation. The episode further highlights Pérez-Cordero’s transformative experiences working with Augusto Boal, renowned creator of Theatre of the Oppressed, whose methodologies are deeply influenced by Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed.
“Across the Meadows” thus represents a reflective and analytical space, capturing diverse educational experiences across generational, disciplinary, and geographic contexts, contributing valuable insights into identity formation, academic journeys, and the ongoing pursuit of belonging within contemporary higher education and beyond. The podcast is now available on YouTube and Spotify—listen and subscribe today.
You can contact Anna Maria Del Fiorentino, at amd218@cam.ac.uk, or view his web page at https://clarec.org/2024/10/14/anna-maria-del-fiorentino/
Cambridge Latin American Research in Education Collective 