Lessons Beyond the Classroom

The UVA Career Center included me in a list of UVA Faculty who go above and beyond for our students with their career development. In a note, the Center wrote, “your name came up as someone who has gone above and beyond to offer selfless help and guidance to UVA students. Thank you for your invaluable contributions in inspiring and supporting our students as they strive to reach their full potential. Your dedication truly embodies the spirit of our UVA community, which is committed to nurturing the next generation.”

I’ve always valued and believed in the power of a good mentor or advisor. In my career, I have always reached out for those who have gone before. In my role as a member of the UVA Faculty, supporting a student's career goals and aspirations is second nature; it’s a no-brainer. We’re in the business of shared success - we want our students to learn from us, but to then go out in the world and put our lessons to practice. We want to keep close accounts. By staying in touch with my former students, their challenges and their wins help inform what I teach and how I teach it. It’s the perpetual motion learning machine at work.