Whenever anyone asks what sets a great college education I find that clichés, however true, about academic excellence or rigor do not do justice to the spirit of the experience. It is the people, the shared sense of warmth and community, that stand out the most. My most enduring memories from college extend to the relationships, both among my cohort and the faculty, formed beyond the classroom.
My favorite anecdote--a more personally poignant parable than anything Aesop--comes from senior year. Haverford majors conduct a year-long research thesis. When I went to drop off my paper I was met with two boxes. One had written above it "drop-off thesis here." The other "pick up cookies here." My advisor had baked cookies for each of us, accompanied by a handwritten note of congratulation. While the treats did not last the night; the sentiment endures. That is what matters.
As an educator, I strive to pay forward the kindness and attention I was given. To date, I have been the instructor of record on six courses:
Intro to American Politics
Intro to International Relations
International Relations Theory
Politics and Media
The Politics of Nuclear Weapons [S. Korea]
International Security [Switzerland]
In passing, I want to mention that most of my classrooms do not come equipped with a rocket propelled grenade or a tasteful display of swords. Which is to say, I've rarely enjoyed a talk on international security more than in the mess hall of a Swiss mountain fortress!
My favorite anecdote--a more personally poignant parable than anything Aesop--comes from senior year. Haverford majors conduct a year-long research thesis. When I went to drop off my paper I was met with two boxes. One had written above it "drop-off thesis here." The other "pick up cookies here." My advisor had baked cookies for each of us, accompanied by a handwritten note of congratulation. While the treats did not last the night; the sentiment endures. That is what matters.
As an educator, I strive to pay forward the kindness and attention I was given. To date, I have been the instructor of record on six courses:
Intro to American Politics
Intro to International Relations
International Relations Theory
Politics and Media
The Politics of Nuclear Weapons [S. Korea]
International Security [Switzerland]
In passing, I want to mention that most of my classrooms do not come equipped with a rocket propelled grenade or a tasteful display of swords. Which is to say, I've rarely enjoyed a talk on international security more than in the mess hall of a Swiss mountain fortress!
