Favorite Parts Of Working In The Education Industry As A Faculty
Robert, a faculty member at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, most enjoys the "best job in the world" due to its excellent work-life balance, allowing ample time for "self-care" and travel. The rewarding aspect of "working with students" and witnessing their academic growth from "a mess" to "well-conceived and well-written" projects is equally fulfilling.
Work-Life Balance, Higher Education, Mentorship, Student Development, Critical Thinking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Robert Soza
Faculty
Chandler Gilberty Community College
Arizona State University
UC Berkeley, Dept. of Ethnic Studies, PhD
Humanities, English, Writing & Education
Education
Education
HSI Grad, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. Excellent work-life balance, including breaks and summers off, allowing for personal time and pursuits.
2. A rewarding collaborative relationship with students, witnessing their growth in critical thinking and writing skills throughout the semester.
3. The opportunity to help students reach their full potential by providing guidance and feedback that fosters intellectual development.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your industry?
I think there are two things, and I'll start with the more selfish one. I just turned 53 and I still have spring break, winter break, and summers off. This is probably the best job in the world.
I make a living wage and have a tremendous amount of time off. Granted, I'm not going to make as much as an investment banker or a lawyer; there are limits to earnings. But the quality of life I have is unparalleled and truly remarkable.
It's in the sense of how much time I can dedicate to what the kids call self-care. I can really take care of myself, enjoy myself, and travel. These things become increasingly important as I've gotten older and can afford to do more things that I enjoy.
The other thing I enjoy relates to seeing students reach their potential, but it's more granular. It's working with students and looking at their papers across the course of a semester. From the first paper, which is just a mess, to the final semester project that's sharp, thoughtful, well-conceived, and well-written.
It's that collaborative relationship I develop with students where we challenge each other. I read their papers, put comments on them, and ask them what they're thinking. They come to class and tell me what I misunderstood about their papers and how my comments helped them think through their arguments more coherently.
I think that's really the fun of what I do: helping students become better critical thinkers. Seeing the growth in 16 weeks is rewarding. I guess that's one selfish thing and one more professional thing about what I really enjoy about the work I do.
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