Oct. 19, 2004 issue

I was once a student here at Eastern Michigan University and it's been a great experience all around. I've had jobs in New York, Indiana and Ohio, but kept coming back. I've taught in developmental math for three years and had part-time stints as a visiting lecturer in 1988 and 1992. I also was the assistant softball coach for EMU from 1987-89 and 1992-95, and came back as the head softball coach from 1996-2002.

I love the laid-back hominess of the campus. It's the perfect size, a large university with a small-town atmosphere. I grew up in Ypsilanti, went to Ypsilanti High School and I love the Depot Town area. I played softball and field hockey for EMU, and even lived in the dorms. I think the people in the community and on campus are really down to earth. There also is a diverse group of students here that I like.  

The thing I like about teaching is that each semester we start fresh and I have the chance to get to know about 75 new students a semester. I just love the small rewards when students finally get a concept I've been trying to teach and how their attitudes change toward math. I enjoy working with college students because I can be relaxed and joke around with them, along with being able to talk one on one with them. Coaching is teaching and that's the part I like about my job. I like helping others learn.

 

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