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 who 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 for this column.
This issue we talked to English as a Second Language instructor Sandra Christensen about being an open book and her passion for life-long learning.
1. What do you teach and how long have you been at Camosun?
I have been teaching English to international students and new settlers (immigrants) in ELD [English Language Development], School of Access, since I started working at Camosun in September 2013.
2. What do you personally get out of teaching?
For me, teaching students from all over the world is like travelling without leaving my hometown. I love meeting new people at different stages in their lives and supporting them with their learning goals. As an ELD teacher, I am continually adapting my approach and the curriculum so I don’t get bored. I like working with students and seeing them meet their goals, then go on to succeed in their academic program. I love when students connect with me months or years later and share their achievements, including awards, acceptance and success in their choice of academic program, a satisfying job, or positive impact on their family.
3. What’s one thing you wish your students knew about you?
I have had many diverse experiences in life, and I really appreciate each student’s unique perspective. Also, I am open-minded and interested in supporting students in a way that meets their needs for their whole life, not just for one class. I see each of them, and I am listening.
4. What’s one thing you wish they didn’t know about you?
There’s not much about me that I wouldn’t share about myself, in the right context. I have experienced hardship in my life, I have felt shame, and I have struggled. Some days can be difficult, but this is part of our mutual struggle as humans. My suffering is what cultivates my compassion.
5. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you as a teacher here?
Being a teacher at Camosun is probably one of the best things that’s happened in my life, so when my students have an enjoyable learning experience, I feel honoured to support their well-being. Also, since being hired at the college as continuing faculty, I have been very fortunate to receive support to continue my own education. Currently, I am in my second year of a doctorate program with a focus on transformative eco-conscious education. Yay for life-long learning!
6. What’s the worst thing that’s happened to you as a teacher here?
For me, it is difficult to tell a student that they will fail a course, especially when they have been working very hard all term, and I know there will be negative consequences (time delays, additional cost). This happens for many reasons: low skills, lack of Canadian experience, non-academic responsibilities, stress, or health issues. Although I am always proud of students who make great progress in their language learning, not everyone progresses at the same rate. Thankfully, there are a lot of resources at Camosun and in our community, so I can usually direct students to additional resources that can provide extra support to boost their success.
7. What do you see in the future of post-secondary education?
Personally, I am interested in opportunities for students to manage a healthy work/life balance. Life is stressful, and post-secondary students are facing more health issues related to this stress. Education is also about finding a career that offers a sustainable and quality lifestyle that is adaptable to rapid change and complex social problems. I am excited about more opportunities for land-based learning that connects students to the earth and to their local community. Working together, respecting all living beings, and making sustainable choices requires our education system to be more responsive to local contexts and the lived realities of students. Developing connections across disciplines, between institutions, and into the community will help us all thrive and solve complex problems together. I am grateful to be at an institution like Camosun that is always willing to reflect on our actions and continually adapt and respond to the needs of our community, both locally and globally.
8. What do you do to relax on the weekends?
I am also a student now, so most of my free time is spent reading, writing, and reflecting. Yoga, gardening, and long walks allow me to reflect and relax, as well as keep my body moving and healthy. My children are young adults, so we often plan activities together: going to an art or music show, watching my son play soccer, attending a workshop with a health focus, or just hanging out at home, helping each other.
9. What is your favourite meal?
I like a home-cooked meal made with fresh ingredients from my garden, the forest, or a local farm. If I was eating out, I would like to go for sushi or Vietnamese soup. Two special places to dine are the Fig and Be Love. Sharing a pot of tea while having a heartfelt conversation nourishes my soul.
10. What’s your biggest pet peeve?
I don’t really think about pet peeves. I suppose that it is hard for me to be around people who do not care about themselves, others, or the environment; people who harm without remorse scare me. I don’t like it when people talk more than they listen. Yet I often do this too, especially in my role as a teacher. If I see an injustice, I speak up—even if I cannot change it. I hope that others can feel strong and worthy to speak up. I will try and listen more so I can hear you.