By Sofia Cabrera

Jarmal Desire is a two-time Florida State University alumnus, and his past experiences in education led him to give back to his alma mater as an academic advisor.

In 2015, Desire graduated from FSU with a double major in criminology and psychology and applied for his first job at Teach for America. A nonprofit organization, TFA’s mission is to enlist, develop, and mobilize educators in various disadvantaged communities to work toward educational equity across the country.

Witnessing students' growth was immeasurably rewarding, and I hold that same feeling as an academic advisor in the FSU English department.

— Jarmal Desire

“I did not envision a career in education; however, creating an impact within minority communities drove me to join TFA,” Desire says.

After working for TFA, Desire relocated to Mississippi where he taught high school biology for three years. Because of his past experiences in education, Desire applied as an academic advisor through FSU’s Advising First, an office within the Division of Undergraduate Studies that places advisors in different departments across campus.

“Witnessing students' growth was immeasurably rewarding, and I hold that same feeling as an academic advisor in the FSU English Department,” Desire states, reflecting on his time with TFA and on the position he has held since 2018.

As an advisor, Desire’s responsibility is to ensure undergraduate students reach graduation in a timely manner. Specifically, he encourages first-year students to lead with curiosity and find experiences that will shape new outlooks on life.

While working for the department, Desire has grown to enjoy the many intricacies that are part of FSU’s student population.

“I realize that people have more in common than is revealed on the surface level, and it is important to ask difficult questions when you feel someone might be experiencing a problematic situation,” Desire says.

The students’ distinct personalities, passions, and talents allow him to learn as much from them as they do from him.

His advising philosophy centers on helping students maximize their experience at FSU. For graduating seniors, he wants them to recognize how a sense of anxiety connected to life after school is entirely normal.

“Your next step in life does not need to be perfect, and purpose will come as you grow in the forge of life,” Desire offers as advice to graduating seniors.

Desire followed his own words of advice and maximized his experience by earning a Master of Public Administration at FSU.

Desire is focused on helping students build confidence in the academic decisions they make together. To do this, Desire continues to stay well-informed of campus services, resources, and outlets to challenge students who excel academically.

Sofia Cabrera is an English major, on the literature, media, and culture track, with a minor in education.

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