Rebecca Siegel, the youngest addition to the JC teaching staff, graduated from Goucher College in Baltimore.  In her first job, as she teaches a mixture of sophomores, juniors, and seniors in biology and environmental classes, Ms. Siegel is beginning to see the vast learning differences between the academic and working worlds.

Q: What brought you to JC?

A: Mainly it was the location.  Many of my friends remained in the area, so I wanted to stay nearby after undergraduate.

Q: What do you miss the most from college?

A: I miss the academic learning.  I still learn from my students, but it’s a different kind of learning.  I have my students do current event projects, just as much for me as for them.  I still want to learn.

Q: What is your favorite part of JC so far?

A: I love the students.  They are awesome, and so much fun.  They are energetic for learning.  I love the community here.

Q: Do you have any goals or activities you would like to complete here?

A: Mr. Sutton and I were thinking about starting a yoga club.  Besides that, I would like to get involved in the plays.  I danced in college and would love to be involved.  Maybe once I’m more organized in second semester, I can get involved.

Q: You said you’re interested in dancing. How long have you been dancing? What kind of dance did you perform in college?

A: I have been dancing since I was three years old. Ballet was my focus when I was younger, but I started taking modern dance in high school. I was still a tight bun ballet dancer when I went to Goucher, but I morphed into a modern dancer. I actually did not complete my major in ballet but became a biology major in my sophomore year. I could not fit dance in as a major or minor because I was short several classes.

Q: How did you become interested in yoga?

A: I went on a 3-week intensive trip to Ghana in West Africa during one of my breaks for my dance major. The leader of the group taught a yoga session. I was originally not in the class, but I was free and interested, so I asked to join. I love yoga now and have been regularly going for the last three years.

Q: Do you like the Tablet PC Program?

A: Yes and no.  There are ups and downs. I like that I can use the internet in the class, but it also gives the students an excuse to not do homework or assignments if their computer breaks.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of teaching?

A: I love learning from the students.   It’s stimulating to be up in front of the class.  I’m always waiting for the curveball question — the one I didn’t think about when I considered teaching the topic.  I like the challenge.

Q: What sparked you to become a teacher?

A: I’ve always been teaching. Friends and other students have constantly come to me for help. It was just natural. When I was at Goucher, I was paid to tutor people. I get students I used to know email me for help even now.

Q: How would you describe yourself as a person?

A: I am a fun-loving, compassionate, and high-stress person. I love to laugh and learn. I like to have a good time, but I have always been studious. Academics come first.

Rachel Kokoska can be reached for comment at [email protected]