Dec. 14, 2004 issue

Seven years ago, I was at the right place at the right time. As a part-time lecturer, I thought that if I worked hard and did my best, EMU would hire me as a tenure-track faculty member — and they did.

I believe in the power of the University to lift up students, expose them to another world and help them see the world differently. I hope I can make a positive difference in their lives.

I don't know if I have ever had a poetry major switch to political science, but I have helped direct a student's passion for political science. One student didn't know which direction to go in political science. She's now working behind the scenes as a policy advocate in Washington, D.C. Another student was an environmentalist who had a passion for political science. She is now a lobbyist for the Sierra Club.

Some students move through their college lives anonymously and just want to get out, but then there are others for which college is a transforming experience. It was a transformation for me.

I grew up in Long Island, but had to get away. I miss New York every time I eat a bagel, but I never want to go back. I've lost the edge to live there. I like the relaxed atmosphere of the Midwest and Eastern is where I plan to stay.

When all is said and done and it's time to leave, I hope to be judged by the students in whose lives I have helped make a difference. I value the supportive atmosphere at Eastern that encourages that activity.

I plan to stay on campus, gather energy from my students and influence their lives. I love what I'm doing and there is so much yet to do.

 

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