Starbucks partner finds her passion for justice studies in ASU Online classes

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of profiles for fall 2019 commencement.

Contrary to the busy morning bustle as a shift supervisor at Starbucks, Britta Grant says “don’t rush through your classes ... take time to relish and ponder over the lessons learned in class.” 

It was only once she began classes through ASU Online that she realized justice studies was her passion. She found her courses thought provoking and believes this career path will help her not only to be a more well-rounded person, but help others seeking assistance.

“After taking some of the first classes within my degree program, I realized that this topic would help me in being a well rounded person,” she said.

And while being an online student means completing your work away from campus, Grant's local library, the Hamilton East Public Library, is her favorite place to study.

According to Grant, “their quiet rooms are the perfect place to be free of distractions and focus on my work.” 

Graduating with a BS in justice studies and a minor in anthropology, Grant credits the Starbucks College Achievement Plan as the driving force in completing her degree.

Question: What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in? 

Answer: I realized justice studies was the field I wanted to study after finishing the Intro to Justice Studies class. The information was so enthralling. Learning about the principles and philosophies pertaining to the subject was so thought provoking. 

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you, that changed your perspective?

A: I enjoyed Dr. (Nancy) Jurik's Justice Theory class. In the class, there was one thing I learned that was very surprising. The philosopher John Locke influenced the founding fathers quite a bit. His viewpoint on property helped pave the way for the dispossession of indigenous inhabitants in America. The ramifications of this is felt to the present day. 

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: First, I chose because Starbucks had partnered with the university to provide tuition coverage to its partners. Second, on closer examination of the credentials of the university, I knew that I would receive a solid education that supported me in being a free thinker and innovative.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Don't try to rush through your classes too much. Take time to relish and ponder over the lessons learned in class. Soon enough the time will come for you to graduate. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Q: As an online student, what was your favorite spot to study or to just think about life?

A: I loved going to study at my local library. The Hamilton East Public Library in Fishers, Indiana, is perfect for studying. It had plenty of space and comfortable chairs. Also, it has plenty of quiet rooms. I would find a spot, put my headphones on and listen to my lo-fi beats. All was perfect and I could focus on my work.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: My dream career is to work in diversity and inclusion for a business/corporation. I will be focusing on my path to this goal.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I would want to work on building sustainable ways of bringing fresh, drinkable water to all who don't have it. So many illnesses are brought on by people having no choice but to drink water that is not drinkable.