Feb. 19, 2008 issue
I started at Eastern as an undergrad when I was 22 or 23. I was in the military before college and I remember so clearly sitting in my first literature class my freshman year. The instructor, Larry Juchartz, was sitting there on the corner of his desk, talking about these works, and I thought to myself, "That is exactly what I want to do."
So, I continued my education into graduate school, earned a master's degree in literature and became a part-time lecturer in 2000. I was given a full-time position three or four years ago, and I will be here as long as they'll have me.
I love my colleagues; they're very supportive. But what I really love about EMU is how student-focused the University is. That's not the case on every campus, but it definitely applies here, and it fits the way I teach. I also really appreciate that our students don't just accept everything they're told. They're willing to call you on things. They'll flag you down and say, "I disagree with this."
I teach Native American literature, English composition, poetry and fiction. I think there's nothing more gratifying than working with students on a personal level and seeing that look of recognition when they realize something new. I like to expose them to worlds they wouldn't otherwise be exposed to — like poetry, which can be so intimidating to first-year students. Or Native American trickster stories, which are often their first exposure to a creator figure who makes mistakes that we learn lessons from.
I also like to see them grow.
One of my students decided he wanted to start a student literary organization, and he asked me if I'd be the adviser. I said "sure" and, a few days later, he showed up in my office with all the paperwork. He was so excited to get this thing going. He looked up at me and said, "I can't believe it's this easy to do."
That's the kind of thing that really does it for me. In our society, I think our kids, to some extent, are spoon-fed. They're told what to do and what they should be. It's a great moment when they realize they can be whatever it is they want to be.
