College of Arts & Sciences

I think one of the most important tools in helping students discover and live their purpose is getting them to understand not to take their experiences for granted. In teaching critical thinking, we often privilege this action as questioning but it can be a part of the creative process, too. As the British writer Neil Gaiman said, 'You can take for granted that people know more or less what a street, a shop, a beach, a sky, an oak tree look like. Tell them what makes this one different.'

When mentoring students in research projects, it’s the beyond-the-classroom context that allows creating a long-term collaborative relationship between the students and me. So, I can wear the many different hats of a teacher to support the students and share a greater perspective on the significance of their projects with them.

When students are able to assist me in the costume design process for television commercials or for the stage, it best prepares them for a career in the industry by giving them real world, relatable experiences. They are able to creatively problem solve and to quickly think on their feet. As their teacher, my goal in the classroom is to give students as many tools and opportunities as possible to equip them for situations whether creative or practical.