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 them to our list of instructors to interrogate.
This issue we talked to Business instructor Patricia Gaudreault about the value in dog walking, driving safely, and the wonderful feeling of seeing hard work pay off—for both teacher and student.
1. What do you teach and how long have you been at Camosun?
I’ve been teaching at Camosun since the summer of 2003. I teach mainly in the Legal Office Assistant program, so I teach Civil Litigation, Conveyancing, Business Law, Criminal Law, Corporate Law, and Wills and Estates—to name a few.
2. What do you personally get out of teaching?
How much time do you have? The list is beyond measure. Teaching has taught me about gratitude in a way that no other occupation could. I have a job where I not only share knowledge with students but I also learn from them each and every day. I get to meet new people, learn about new cultures and experiences, and empower students to find their passion. I get to create positive learning environments where students embrace opportunities and change their lives. Yes—I am very blessed to be part of all that.
3. What’s one thing you wish your students knew about you?
I hope they know I am here to help, and guide, and to listen. I want them to know that when I am teaching or meeting with them, I am looking at them and thinking, “You’ve got this. You can do it.” I hope that message comes across loud and clear.
4. What’s one thing you wish they didn’t know about you?
That I have at least 12 pairs of the exact same black dress pants.
5. What’s the best thing that has ever happened to you as a teacher here?
Attending graduation ceremonies and celebrating successes with students is the best feeling ever. Watching students cross the stage beaming with pride and having their accomplishments recognized is the best day of the year (even though I think it should be the best two days of the year).
6. What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you as a teacher here?
The worst feeling ever is when you simply cannot help someone after exhausting all efforts.
7. What do you see in the future of post-secondary education?
I see more high-quality, online learning opportunities. We are offering more fully online courses and programs, but there is a ton of room for growth in this area.
8. What do you do to relax on the weekends?
What is a weekend? Just kidding. My husband and I have two huge German shepherds, so I relax by taking my dogs for longer walks on the weekend than I can during the week. I can usually be found in the forest, where I can clear my head and connect with nature. Spending time with my grandchildren fills my heart with joy, and listening to my husband play guitar grounds my soul.
9. What is your favourite meal?
I prefer ethnic food, so if we are going out for dinner my choice is Sabhai Thai. If I’m cooking, we are ordering in—and there is an amazing food truck just blocks from my house that provides gourmet food at a very reasonable price.
10. What’s your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is how BC’s driver-licensing system appears to lack proper, thorough, and mandatory education for new and renewing drivers. I believe all drivers should be trained to be professional drivers, which would make our roads and highways a much safer place.