Know Your Profs is an ongoing series of profiles on the instructors at Camosun College. Every issue we ask a different instructor at Camosun the same 10 questions in and attempt to get to know them a little better.
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This issue we talked to Environmental Technology chair Steve Gormican about sharing in his students’ achievements, boat mishaps, and spilling a tear or two in his office.
1: What do you teach and how long have you been a teacher at Camosun?
I teach various courses and am the chair of Environmental Technology. My subject area includes aquatic sciences, which involves both academics and practical field learning. I came from the consulting world, where you have to have a variety of skills.
2: What do you personally get out of teaching?
My best reward is seeing new, keen, and bright people entering the field to replace me when I retire. Despite all the bad news on the environmental front, our current students have optimism and will play an important role in integrating sustainability into their jobs and personal lives.
3: What’s one thing that you wish your students knew about you?
I’m pretty much an open book. Because of the cohort model used in Environmental Technology, there is little that they don’t know about me, as we spend a lot of time together over the three years of the program.
4: What’s one thing you wish they didn’t know about you?
I’m empathetic to those who have lost a loved one and may join them in a tear or two when they come to my office.
5: What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you as a teacher here?
It’s usually at graduation, when I get to see the successful students get their diplomas after all their hard work and dedication.
6: What’s the worst thing that’s happened to you as a teacher here?
I almost lost a boat while launching it. Of course, it was in front of a group of students who were not only watching but filming the entire event. I constantly wonder when the video will show up on social media.
7: What do you see in the future of postsecondary education?
It’s very hard to stay positive about the lack of attention from the government, but I’m somewhat of an optimist, so I think that we’ll get through these tough times.
8: What do you do to relax on the weekends?
I play hockey, spend time on the water exploring the Gulf Islands, and go prawning when the season is open. I’m in charge of fleet maintenance and spend time tinkering on the family cars. I also enjoy dining with friends, live music, and theatre.
9: What’s your favourite meal?
Fresh seafood locally caught, accompanied by local vegetables, grilled on the BBQ, and served with a glass of local beer. Wait, is single malt whiskey a meal?
10: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Entitled people.