PROFESSOR LIGHT B E A C O N
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With “being a light” as the theme of this Shield issue, interviewing English professor Pamela Light is a clear choice. She is more than just a radiant name, however; she is also one of the brightest professors on Rochester’s campus. by KATIE MARTELLE Anyone who has ever had a class with her OPINIONS EDITOR can testify to the love, care and warmth she has toward all of her students. Light’s past education history is quite impressive; she triple majored during her undergrad work at the University of Arkansas and finished her bachelor’s degree in Michigan at Oakland University. From OU, she also attained her master’s degree in English with a concentration in romantic poets. Light says her love of knowledge started at quite a young age. “I was always reading at home,” says Light. “My parents always complained that their kids read ‘too much.’ They would tell me to go outside to play and I would read a book on the swing set.” She says she loved learning in high school, so it was natural that she would go on to further her education and become involved in teaching. Light began teaching at Rochester College nearly 16 years ago. “And I’ve never left!” she says. “There’s something about Rochester College; the students have a value system that makes them good people, and they feel serious about what they’re learning. I’ve taught at enough places to know you can’t take that for granted.” Her passion for both teaching and for her students is clearly seen in her teaching style. Light says she tries to nurture a classroom environment where students can think and discuss ideas. “The classes where we are trying to answer a question together are the best classes for me,” says Light. “I love when students put their heads together and explore; I want them to think independently. I love when there is a spirit of exploration and students are asking questions
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rather than just finding answers.” Chelsea Hackel, senior, says she loves the approach Light takes with her classes. “One of the things I like best about [Professor Light] is that she’s not afraid to think outside of the box and do things differently,” says Hackel. “I also love how excited she gets when we come up with ideas on our own. She loves letting us think about new ideas and ways of doing things.” In addition to teaching, Light is actively involved in Ex Libris, a group for creative writers on campus that fosters community and participation in writing, as well as Blackberry Winter, the yearly literary publication that showcases creative work from both students and faculty. “Professor Light is such a creative person, and I love being able to learn and participate in her classes,” says Hackel. “As a writer, having a professor who appreciates creativity is so valuable!” When asked what her favorite class to teach is, Light could not settle on an answer; she loves teaching everything from Film Appreciation to Creative Writing to World Literature. “They’re all my favorite classes!” she exclaimed and then paused to laugh. “How can you make that sound less cheesy? Truly, though, all of my classes are my favorite classes because they’re all about my students.” This is seen in whatever class a student takes with Light. Hackel sums it up best: “I love her because she loves us. She really cares about our lives.” Classes with Light are guaranteed to not only be an educational adventure but also an inspiring time. She is a motivating professor who is lively without fail and looks at the world through rose-colored glasses. And I mean that both figuratively and literally. Have you seen her pink specs?!
PAGE DESIGNED BY KAYCE MCCLURE photos by CATHRYN MANKIEWICZ
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