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 and we’ll get on it.
This time around we caught up with finance and statistics instructor Shari Corrigan and talked about privacy, Camosun’s DECA chapter, and her class getting tested for tuberculosis.
1: What do you teach and how long have you been a teacher at Camosun?
The first class I taught was a night class back in the winter of 1998. I became a full-time instructor 12 years ago. I currently teach finance and statistics classes, but have taught economics as well over the years. I am an economist by trade, so my finance and stats lessons often have an economics slant.
2: What do you personally get out of teaching?
It is extremely rewarding to help students find career paths. I also am fuelled by the energy, passion, innovative spirit, and optimism of the classroom.
3: What’s one thing you wish your students knew about you?/4:What’s one thing you wish they didn’t know about you?
I have a pretty uncomplicated personality and have shared much of my experiences and views with students. I am also very careful to guard my privacy. So I think students know everything I want them to know about me.
5: What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you as a teacher here?
Having the opportunity to start the Camosun DECA chapter, our student-led business club. The chapter organizes social activities, volunteers in the community, and participates in international case competitions.
6: What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you as a teacher here?
One semester, a student in one of my classes contracted tuberculosis. Vancouver Island Health Authority was brought on campus to test the whole class because of our exposure to the disease. We had to continue being tested/monitored through the TB clinic for the next six months. I felt bad for the students; it added another layer of stress to their lives… Thankfully, none of us tested positive.
7: What do you see in the future of postsecondary education?
Postsecondary institutions will continue to see declines in government funding. Industry will have to become a bigger partner in directly subsidizing education… As a result, I believe that education will likely become increasingly more specialized and employment-specific.
8: What do you do to relax on the weekends?
I love to golf, ski, walk my dog, and spend time with my family, which usually includes a dinner or party!
9: What’s your favourite meal?
These days it is grilled salmon… but it changes quite often.
10: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
People who are intolerant of other points of view. A close second is people/organizations that get consumed by process instead of results.
Shari has always been a very conscientious , approachable, intelligent, inspiring and thoughtful instructor. She is a true asset to Camosun College and I would recommend her to any new student.