Favorite Parts of Being a Visiting Assistant Professor and Artist
Patrick, a Visiting Assistant Professor, finds the most rewarding aspect of the role to be "seeing how each student is helping me grow as a guide," and facilitating their growth and inspiration, aligning with a lifelong desire to "shift people's perspective and help them see new possibilities in the world" through art and teaching.
Teaching, Mentorship, Artistic Practice, Higher Education, Inspiration
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Patrick Michael Ballard
Visiting Assistant Professor
Artist
CSU Long Beach (2011)
California Institute of the Arts: MFA in Fine Arts
Fine Arts, Music
Arts, Entertainment & Media, Education
Education
Video Highlights
1. Patrick enjoys watching students grow and learn, and how their experiences help him grow as a guide.
2. He loves facilitating students' growth and seeing them get inspired and excited.
3. Patrick's passion for teaching stems from his desire to shift people's perspectives and show new possibilities in art and life, mirroring his artistic goals.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your current role?
What I enjoy most is growing as a guide. I like seeing how each student helps me grow and understand different dimensions of other people's experiences.
I also enjoy facilitating other people's growth and watching them get inspired or excited about their practice. This is what I've always wanted from art.
I became a teacher because I wanted my art to shift people's perspectives and help them see new possibilities in the world. It turns out that's exactly what a teacher does.
I love that my art and teaching allow me to show new possibilities, and even more possibilities, for what it means to make art, make a game, think, or be a person in the world.
Advizer Personal Links
https://www.patrickmichaelballard.com/, IG: @patrickmichaelballard, Bandcamp: LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-ballard-6742221bb