By Hadassa Ferreira, Arts & Culture’s Editor
If there is a fact about college life, it is that it is a period of huge challenges and changes in people’s lives. It is a time when youth have to make important decisions about their professional lives while discovering who they are on a deeper level. This is why college professors can be life-changing.
Superior education is a significant achievement in the lives of many people, and college is an academic stage in which people dive deeper into academic fields to understand how the world’s systems operate.
Therefore, having professors who are capable of conveying and delivering complex academic information exceptionally is crucial for students’ professional and academic development.
Andreas Cubillos, a senior student majoring in criminal justice, said, “A professor that stands out is Adjunct Professor Rebecca Wilkinson Shields since her engagement in the class helps us learn, debate, and write about issues that are going on in the current criminal justice system.”
College Professors can do more than just teach; they have the power to guide students toward the best professional lives they can have and provide meaningful advice that can mark their lives forever, making a significant impact.
At Saint Leo, there are many professors dedicated to not only helping students learn but also helping them deeply engage in the academic and professional fields they choose to be part of.
As a small school, Saint Leo offers the opportunity for students to get close to faculty. Here, students can take advantage of their experience and expertise by connecting with them and listening to what they have to say about the academic subjects students are most interested in.
A professor who made an impact due to her wisdom and the good advice she gives is Dr. Ebony Perez from the Social Work department.
Angèle Guerrier, a senior student majoring in social work with a minor in psychology, said, “In my freshman year, I did an interview with Dr. Ebony Perez and asked her how she believes she evolves every day; her response stuck with me. She said that ‘she was not the same person every day.’ That she ‘was constantly evolving and changing.’ That quote really resonated with me! Since then, I’ve adopted it as a personal mantra. It reminds me that every day is an opportunity to grow, learn, and become a better version of myself.”
College life can be challenging and very stressful. Therefore, professors capable of helping students navigate this phase in the best way possible, being supportive and resourceful through their teachings and advice are the ones who will remain in the memories of all for a lifetime.
Senior student Jocelyn Osei-Sasu, who majors in business management, said, “Dr. Tonya Mazur from the College of Business is one professor who has made a great impact on me. She is a constant pillar of kindness and encouragement, and I have enjoyed all her classes so far!”
Osei-Sasu also mentioned, “I love the fact that Dr. Mazur incorporates scenario-based examples into her courses, as this has allowed me to visualize how real-world problems may present themselves and the best ways to solve them.”
Sometimes, it might be difficult to discover which career path to follow. The reality is that this world is full of possibilities and issues to solve, and it might be tough for students to discover the best way for them.
However, having professors who narrow the options by presenting the best-fit opportunities is great, and Saint Leo faculty offers this privilege.
Jackeline Pollok, a senior student majoring in criminal justice with homeland security with a specialization in international studies and a minor in world politics, attested “When I added my second major in my junior year, Dr. Daniel Dubois became my advisor, and his support has been nothing short of amazing.”
She continued, “He’s always been there to offer guidance and encouragement, introducing me to opportunities I never would have considered on my own.”
Pollok also said, “Dr. Dubois’ impact on my journey at Saint Leo has been profound, helping me navigate challenges and contributing significantly to my academic and personal growth.”
We live in a very challenging world that might see people as less depending on who they are and not even acknowledge all of their capabilities based on their gender, race, social background, etc.
Nevertheless, professors have the duty of seeing all students as equal and incentivizing students’ dreams even if they might be difficult due to stereotypical factors.
“A professor who made an impact on me is Professor Hatlem, from the Sports Business department, who never looked at me as less of a student for being a female who wants to pursue a career in Sports Business,” said Abby Fortuna, a senior student majoring in sports business with a minor in legal studies.
Fortuna added, “Dr. Mohan is another faculty who made a huge impact on my college life by giving me the confidence to pursue law school and become a sports agent even though it is a rare profession.”
College professors have a significant importance in people’s lives. From breaking down courses’ concepts and catalyzing students’ learning processes to providing meaningful insights from their field.
A professor who makes an impact has students who, beyond being academic experts, also know what their place in the world is, and at Saint Leo, those professors are more a rule than an exception.
As we get close to graduation, it is an undeniable fact that many senior students are leaving Saint Leo with the certainty that Saint Leo’s professors impacted their lives in a way they will never forget.
