I Am Continually Inspired By My Students

I have taught writing in middle school, high school,community college, college, and graduate school and am continually inspired by my students.  In 2008, I started teaching part-time at Strayer University and now teach all the English classes Strayer offers. When I started at Strayer, I had no idea how much I would not only be inspired by but grow to love my Strayer students.

I learn something new from my Strayer students every time I meet or talk with them. Their courage, resilience, dedication, and hard-work ethic fill me with admiration and awe. When I was younger, I started graduate school with an eight-month old, four jobs, and a commute to my classes, and I graduated eight years later with a 4, 6, and 8-year old. I know what it takes to sit in a Strayer classroom on ground or online and finally walk across the graduation stage. My students and I have that and so much else in common.

It’s hard work to go to college at any age. It’s hard but essential because someone’s dream for a life change and self-empowerment is worth every part of the struggle that each assignment, each class, each fulfilled college commitment takes. Those who graduate from Strayer University worked hard for their degrees.  

I had no idea when I agreed to teach one night a week for Strayer University that it would turn out to be one of the most rewarding jobs I could possibly have. When a student says to me, “Thanks for believing in me, Dr. S.  You have made me believe in myself,” I go home stunned and feeling lucky beyond measure that I participated in someone’s empowerment journey. Loving my Strayer University students is easy. It is one of my life’s joys.