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 an attempt to get to know them a little better.
Do you have an instructor that you want to see interviewed in the paper? Maybe you want to know more about one of your teachers, but you’re too busy, or shy, to ask? Email editor@nexusnewspaper.com and we’ll add your instructor to our list of teachers to talk to.
This issue we talked to Camosun Mechanical Engineering prof Imtehaze Heerah about the future of post-secondary, laziness, and seeing students accomplish goals.
1. What do you teach and how long have you been at Camosun?
Mechanical Engineering. 14 years.
2. What do you personally get out of teaching?
The field I teach in is a very dynamic one. While the scientific foundation does not change, applications of technology are ever evolving. On a personal level, teaching allows me to keep up with the latest and greatest my field has to offer. Working on new software or hardware is like being asked to play with new toys all the time… Loads of fun, and even more so when you get to share the discovery and excitement with your students.
3. What’s one thing you wish your students knew about you?
I care as much about their success as they do. And I, along with the other instructors in the department, will work with them to ensure that they get the most out of their experience at the college. Sometimes, all they need to do is ask for assistance.
4. What’s one thing you wish they didn’t know about you?
I can’t think of a single thing… With me, what you see is what you get.
5. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you as a teacher here?
I’m almost tempted to say that “best things” happen to me every term. Teaching is quite a privilege and every time I see things click in a student’s mind, or [see them] experience the “a-ha” moment, it is quite a rewarding feeling. Especially toward the end of every term, one can truly appreciate the accomplishments of the students. Sometimes it is very hard for the students themselves to acknowledge how much they have achieved while they are juggling multiple courses, work life, and family life… As a teacher, though, I get to see them through a more objective lens and it is quite gratifying.
6. What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you as a teacher here?
I had to think about this one and yet could not come up with anything.
7. What do you see in the future of post-secondary education?
I firmly believe we have a bright future ahead of us. Post-secondary education is an essential part in forming well-rounded, responsible citizens and professionals, all key ingredients to a thriving society. There might be road bumps along the way—funding, or the lack of, comes to mind—but that’s where we get to be creative and reinvent ourselves. Everything around us is dynamic and so should be our post-secondary education model. As long as we do a good job adapting to the times and addressing the needs of our students, the business community, and society at large, the state of post-secondary education will be strong.
8. What do you do to relax on the weekends?
I spend time with my family—movie nights, game nights, bike rides. I work on my cars and tackle the various projects around the house. I absolutely love building things.
9. What is your favourite meal?
I simply love good food. From a messy burger from the corner pub to a gourmet meal from a fancy restaurant—I’m not picky. And we are quite spoiled here in Victoria, with great restaurants featuring cuisines from all over the world.
10. What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Laziness. If you want to succeed, you need to put the time and effort in; work hard, period.