Know Your Profs is an ongoing series of articles helping you get to know the instructors at Camosun College a bit better. Every issue we ask a different instructor the same 10 questions. Got someone you want to see interviewed? Email editor@nexusnewspaper.com.
This time around we caught up with marketing and communications instructor Laurie Jackson and talked about being a tough marker, Greek ribs, and R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
1: What do you teach and how long have you been a teacher here?
I teach marketing and communications courses: everything from first-year Business Communications and Intro Marketing to upper level BBA courses in Consumer Behaviour and, this term, Advanced Communications, which is writing for marketing and public relations. I first taught as a sessional here in the early 1990s before heading to New Zealand and Australia for 10 years. I was fortunate to be appointed as a sessional again in 2012. I have taught at nine different colleges and universities over the years, but Camosun is my favorite.
2: What do you personally get out of teaching?
I get great satisfaction in seeing students grow from when they come to their first college course to graduating as true professionals. I enjoy working with them on a day-to-day basis to develop their skills in marketing and communications, but also helping them develop confidence, creativity, analytical and critical thinking, and passion for their chosen field.
3: What’s one thing you wish your students knew about you?
I want them to know that I am out for their best interest. I have sometimes been accused of being a tough marker, but having worked for many years in business, I know that “out there” only the best will do. While some students seem to be more concerned about today’s marks, many do realize that it’s getting that first job and progressing in their career that is the important goal to keep in mind. I see my job as helping them do that in the best way I know how.
4: What’s one thing you wish they didn’t know about you?
I am generally very open. I might jokingly say I wish they didn’t know how old I really am, but it’s no secret that I’m getting closer to their grandparents’ ages than their parents’! I am at the stage that I really admire cultures that honour elders’ knowledge.
5: What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you as a teacher here?
The best thing has been being reappointed and given the opportunity to teach a variety of courses. I love planning new courses and I’m very grateful that, as a sessional, they keep hiring me.
6: What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you as a teacher here?
I’ve been very fortunate not to have any really bad things happen, but I’d have to say getting the flu near the beginning of this term and getting behind in my classes hasn’t been fun. I find, though, that it did make me much more sympathetic to all my students who have been sick this year.
7: What do you see in the future of postsecondary education?
Well, not wanting to be political, but unless the government stops the funding cuts to postsecondary education I am very concerned that quality and access will suffer. I believe that investment in higher education pays off in a better economy, yet they seem to be making shorter-term decisions, which I think will undercut their goals.
8: What do you do to relax on the weekends?
My weekend home is on Gabriola Island and I love to walk the beaches with my dog and then sit by the fire with my two cats.
9: What is your favourite meal?
I am fortunate to have a spouse who loves to cook, so my favorites are some of his specialties: Greek-style ribs or a barbecued steak. Apologies to the vegetarians!
10: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
As all my students know, respect is a big issue for me in my classes. My pet peeve is when students don’t actively listen to others who have mustered up the courage to speak in class or deliver a presentation.