Learning to Empower Others Through Education
Student Snapshot: Indra Sokhomsan ’26
Indra Sokhomasan ’26 (educational studies) is an Admissions Fellow, tour guide, Community Engagement Fellow, Dana Scholar, student-researcher and education intern. He studied abroad in the Czech Republic; co-led a service trip to Guatamala, where he worked with and learned about an Indigenous community; and traveled to Cancun to present research, alongside graduate students, on the experiences of Black educators.
Hometown:
Long Beach, Calif.
High school:
Woodrow Wilson High School
Major:
On choosing Dickinson:
My brother came to Dickinson as a Posse Scholar, but I didn’t want to go to a small school (mainly because I didn’t really understand what a liberal-arts education could offer). I applied to a university through the Posse program, and I also applied to Dickinson. Dickinson showed genuine love and interest in me as a student, so I decided to take a chance and chose Dickinson. Thank all the beings above that I did!
Best things about my Dickinson experience so far:
Studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic, was an incredible and life-changing experience. I also had the chance to lead a service trip to Guatemala, where we worked with a local Indigenous community. We learned so much while exploring the beautiful country.
Best thing about my major:
The educational-studies department wouldn’t be the same without Professor Forbes, Liz and Kirk. Their passion, support and dedication have shaped my entire college experience.
Favorite class/learning experience:
I’m a researcher with the BLESS (Black Liberation in Education, Schools, and Society) Collective. I traveled to Cancun to present our research, “Valuing Lived Experiences and Emotions of Our People Within Academic Research.” Getting to present alongside graduate students and represent our team was unforgettable.
Favorite professor:
Assistant Professor of Educational Studies Jacquie Forbes. After struggling through my first semester, I took her class that spring, and it changed everything. She helped me see that educational studies was truly the right path for me, and later, she invited me to join her research team. I’ll forever be thankful for her guidance, mentorship and belief in me.
About my internship:
I’m the senior intern at Carlisle Victory Circle (CVC). My students constantly remind me to relax and enjoy life.
About my research:
As a researcher with the BLESS (Black Liberation in Education, Schools, and Society) Collective, I focus on the experiences of Black educators and the impacts of the school system on their lives. We host community dinners, where we engage in meaningful, open conversations over shared meals, and we collect our data from these conversations. Through this work, I’ve learned about the struggles and resilience of Black educators and discovered new ways to envision positive change within the education system.
Clubs and organizations:
Admissions Fellow, Liberty Cap (tour guide), Center for Civic Learning & Action (trip leader), Community Engagement Fellow, and educational-studies researcher. Yes, I’m involved in a lot, but each organization has shaped my experience and helped me find community.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
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Published December 17, 2025