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.
This issue we talked to Health Care Assistant instructor Julia Liska about dodgy parking, cornbread, and job satisfaction.
1. What do you teach and how long have you been at Camosun?
I’ve been at Camosun since 2011. I teach multiple courses in the Health Care Assistant program as well as do practicum.
2. What do you personally get out of teaching?
Satisfaction in assisting students to be successful in a rewarding career in healthcare—especially those who may have had bad education experiences in the past or lack self-esteem. They can achieve so very much if given a little support.
3. What’s one thing you wish your students knew about you?
I’m a pretty good baker.
4. What’s one thing you wish they didn’t know about you?
I’m terrible at spelling.
5. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you as a teacher here?
Being able to work with the phenomenal staff (and students) in Health and Human Services. I love coming to work.
6. What’s the worst thing that’s happened to you as a teacher here?
Having my new car hit not once but twice while it was parked in the parking lot and I was teaching in the classroom (both times the person left a note on my car, which was good).
7. What do you see in the future of post-secondary education?
Hopefully more flexible education opportunities to meet students’ diverse situations and needs. I would love to see more online course opportunities offered.
8. What do you do to relax on the weekends?
Hiking, cooking, gardening, spending time with friends and family.
9. What is your favourite meal?
Great chili and fresh homemade cornbread.
10. What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Student phones going off during class.