하킴 올루세이의 『퀀텀라이프』를 중심으로 살펴보는 소외 계층에 대한 특별 지원 교육의 역할

Exploring the Role of Special Support Education for Marginalized Groups through Hakeem Oluseyi’s Quantum Life

This paper analyzes Hakeem Oluseyi’s autobiography, A Quantum Life, to explore the emotional and socioeconomic support necessary for a Black boy from a disadvantaged neighborhood to succeed as an astrophysicist in the United States. It highlights the stark underrepresentation of Black physics PhDs relative to the U.S. Black population and examines systemic obstacles—such as poverty, violence, and limited access to role models and educational opportunities—that minority and economically disadvantaged students face in foundational academic fields. Oluseyi’s journey illustrates how critical supports, including access to public education, intellectual stimulation from his mother, and mentorship from Black scholars like Dr. Art Walker, enabled his success. Affirmative Action policies at Stanford University further provided academic, financial, and social resources, fostering his sense of belonging and scholarly identity. These findings emphasize the importance of structured support systems—belongingness, identity affirmation, financial aid, educational opportunities, and mentorship—in enhancing academic and social outcomes for marginalized students.