I’ve lived within five miles of Lake Land College my entire life, so I’m easily considered a “local.” I am a first-generation college student and graduated from Lake Land College in 1993. Teaching here for over twenty-five years is a dream realized after my own experiences with amazing instructors back in the early 1990’s. In fact, I often tell people that I don’t have to go to work: I just get to go to school. 

I teach classes in a discipline that most students routinely describe as their least favorite subject, so I try to approach the classes in a straight-forward but interesting fashion.  Although I do teach online classes, out of necessity, I much prefer teaching in a face-to-face setting, which is why I’m on campus every day, normally arriving by 7:30 a.m. Interacting with students who not only believe attending college is a privilege (rather than a right), but also are open to constructive feedback is one of the best aspects of my profession.

Working with colleagues from all over the faculty spectrum is another enjoyable aspect of teaching at Lake Land. Some of my best friends teach Chemistry, Spanish, Speech, Math, Dental Hygiene and Biology, while many others work as academic counselors. My colleagues—and the faculty at large—are important to me, which is why I’ve served as the President of the Lake Land College Faculty Association twice. In this capacity, faculty members can collaborate with students and administrators to create the best learning (and working) environment for everyone at Lake Land. 

Ultimately, I have fewer years left at Lake Land than more, as the topic of retirement has creeped into conversations with family, friends, and colleagues. However, I’m not sure what I would do with myself if I did retire! Lake Land has been my home away from home for so many years that I don’t know when I want to leave. 

I suppose, then, I’ll do the one thing I always tell my students to never do: Procrastinate.