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I became interested in history at an early age.  It was the summer of 1976, the year of the Bicentennial, and my young world was filled with parades, block parties and decorating neighborhood fire hydrants with red, white and blue paint.

I chose a career in education so that I could share my excitement about history with future generations. I am happy to say that my choice has been a rewarding one, as I have met thousands of inspiring and talented students who keep my love of teaching alive.

There I was, in a SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus…) like you see firefighters wear and a full firefighting outfit to go back down into the reactor plant to check for a steam rupture. I was put in this wonderful outfit because I was the chief reactor watch, and supervised the mechanical watch-standers of that reactor plant.  The reactor had been scrammed, the engineering spaces were hot (think sauna hot), and everyone had been evacuated. My “newbie” (newly qualified watch-stander) had reported to a steam rupture. While steam powers turbines, and powers your home through the electrical grid, it also quickly kills.... 

Today, I teach most of the classes in the Automation Technology Degree (AMT) Program at Waubonsee Community College.

There is an emergency, a fire, someone has passed out, a car crash, what do you do? The answer for most is to call 9-1-1. We know with that call we can get the help we need: the fire department, an ambulance, a police officer. As first responders, you call, we come, regardless of the emergency or the situation. Without question we show up. What many don’t realize is that we spend a large portion of our time talking to the public about prevention and preparedness. As we educate our Fire Science and Emergency Medical Technician students at Waubonsee Community College, we stress the driving purpose of this profession is to keep our citizens safe.

Curiosity and the love of learning know no bounds.  Whether it is an adult learner taking a class at Waubonsee or a young child learning about the solar system, we humans desire knowledge.

On May 2, Waubonsee Community College had the honor of hosting United States Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams as he addressed a community forum convened by U.S. Congressman Randy Hultgren regarding the opioid crisis that is challenging America. While his presence is not an everyday occurrence in our community, it is striking that his comments focused on everyday occurrences for many throughout our community.

Daily throughout this land, thousands are wrestling with the challenge of living with drug and alcohol problems, not just with opioids but with other substances including prescription drugs, synthetic drugs, cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol. While his comments touched on many aspects of these challenges, there are two that make this crisis particularly difficult to resolve. One is the tendency to stereotype, the second is the influence of stigma.  

My high school years ended in tragedy and isolation. A close friend had died after an accident almost a week before graduation, my clique quickly grew apart as our summer had progressed and I distanced myself from family members and other friends to deal with such a drastic and sad change in my life....

However, all of that changed when I ran for Student Senate.

Spring is a time of rebirth and growth and during the month of April, both are visible on the campuses of Waubonsee Community College.  With the bloom of spring flowers, shrubs and trees, the beauty found on our four campuses is seen in the various habitats despite the cool weather.

As part of Waubonsee’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2016-17, and as part of our strategic transformational plan, we are seeking to more vigorously re-envision our alumni program.

Community colleges have a rich history of cooperation. This is part of our history at Waubonsee, as well as our present. Our collaborations and connections with the community take on many forms and involve many staff members. In my role as the director of government and community engagement, I sit on various non-profit boards and am involved in various community efforts.

During the 2016-2017 academic year, Waubonsee Community College celebrated its 50th anniversary. For decades, Waubonsee has been an integral part of the local community. Many don’t realize that the Waubonsee Community College Foundation has been in existence for nearly as long, providing support to Waubonsee students. This year, in 2018, the Waubonsee Community College Foundation will celebrate its 40th anniversary.