A Journey in Education at SPSCC
by 0 Candid Conversation with Professor Geoff Dugwyler
Professor Geoff Dugwyler began his career at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) by teaching ESL. Later, he transitions into teaching Pathways to Success classes (CCS). Being an alumnus of the college himself, it became his driving force to return as an instructor.
What year did you attend SPSCC?
I was one of the first Running Start students at SPSCC, back in 1999, pursuing my first AA degree. My primary focus was studying computer programming. It was during that time that I began to realize I had the potential to become a teacher. Teaching is a challenging endeavor, and it was during those early days that I got my first taste of the difficulties and challenges that come with being an effective educator.
As a former student of this college, can you tell us about your experience transitioning into college life and how it has influenced your approach to teaching and mentorship in Pathways to Success?
For me, the transition wasn’t particularly challenging. I felt a sense of belonging right from the beginning. But that isn’t the case for everyone. My personal experience at SPSCC made me realize the importance of being an advocate for students who may have had negative experiences in the past. My journey went smoothly, and it inspired me to focus on individualizing each student’s experience, aiming to provide them with the same positive environment and support that I had during my time there.
In what ways do you think being a former student of this college has given you a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that students face, and how do you use this perspective to support your students in Pathways to Success?
Teaching at the same place where I was once a student has truly helped me in individualizing my approach towards students. I can put myself in their chairs, empathizing with their position, even though we all have unique experiences. There’s a genuine connection I feel with them, and I am committed to carrying forward this tradition.
In your experience, what are some of the most significant challenges that students face when transitioning to college life, and how do you help them overcome these challenges?
At SPSCC, we strive to assist students in making a smooth transition from high school to college. We work towards bridging the gap between these two educational phases. In our CCS program, we have an assignment where we explore the distinctions between secondary and college education. It is crucial for students to understand that they must advocate for themselves more in college, and we aim to expose them to the resources available at the college to set that expectation. We emphasize the importance of seeking help when needed and encourage students to utilize tutoring services. It’s essential for students to understand that seeking assistance is not a sign of weakness, but rather a proactive approach taken by many successful students. At SPSCC and in our CCS classes, we make concerted efforts to prepare students for success.
What do you think is one of the most important things for a student to know to be successful?
The willingness to fail and to recover from that! Failure doesn’t define you. It is again about self-reflection. It is even essential to fail because that’s how you are learning. If you let your fear hold you back from that you will not be able to advance.
What are the primary goals of the Pathways to Success program, and how do you work with students to achieve these goals?
The primary goal is to unveil some of the hidden skills and knowledge that are essential for college success. Research shows that college success is greatly influenced by each student’s background. One of the major initiatives at SPSCC is the Pathways to Success program. The idea behind it is to make the school more accessible and provide a clear understanding of how to succeed. It equips students with the knowledge of accessing advisors and understanding their role. These seemingly small essentials are crucial for students’ success.
What role do you believe that self-reflection and self-assessment play in helping students achieve success, and how do you encourage students to engage in these practices?
I come from an alternative education background where self-reflection was a natural part of the learning process. Assessing and reflecting on oneself holds significant value. It is crucial to understand how we engage with the course material and express ourselves within the structure of the class. Your instructor should be aware of the areas where you need improvement as a student. Cultivating a growth mindset is a vital aspect of this process. Establishing a strong relationship with your instructor is essential, and that’s precisely what we foster in CCS classes at SPSCC.
How do you approach working with students who come from diverse backgrounds or international students, and have different academic and personal goals and needs?
Seeing them as individuals is the most important. Trying to make them feel welcome and important is one of the main goals. We are working together to learn something, almost as partners. It has to be a personal experience for each student.
What inspired you to pursue a career in teaching and mentorship, specifically within the context of Pathways to Success (CCS 101)?
Like many teachers, I didn’t realize I was a teacher for a long time, but looking back now, it makes a lot of sense. When I was young, I aspired to be a writer, and I still enjoy it. During my teenage years, I spent a significant amount of time programming at home and pursued it further by studying at both SPSCC and Evergreen College, earning a degree in the field.
However, I eventually reached a point where I didn’t want to spend eight hours a day working in an office. I yearned for something more meaningful and satisfying. It wasn’t just about earning money or doing a job; it was about making a positive impact on other people’s lives. After trying various things, I found my calling in teaching. Being a part of the transformative process, witnessing how people’s lives changed for the better, is what has kept me invested in teaching.
Can we say that your choice is formed also because the other career opportunities do not involve human interaction?
Yes, that’s true! I realized I would be so disconnected from people. I always had this inner conflict because I can write solid code, but I deeply care about people and yearn to be part of a community that strives for a greater purpose. This aspect played a significant role in my decision-making process, although it took me a while to fully grasp it. I’m a competent programmer, but that doesn’t define who I am. While we all need to find employment and take care of ourselves, it’s essential to find the right fit, which may not always be the first thing we encounter. And that’s okay.
What motivated you to become a professor of Pathways to Success, and how do you think your background as a former student has influenced your work with students?
Pathways for Success deeply intrigued me. I yearned to be a part of it, to be a face of the school that would warmly say, ‘Welcome, we are glad you’re here, and we want you to succeed.’ One of my primary aspirations was to equip students with the necessary tools for achieving success, tools that I myself gained through my experience as a former student of SPSCC.
Can you share a specific experience or moment from your time as a student at this college that has had a lasting impact on you, and how has this influenced your approach to teaching and mentorship?
One particular experience that profoundly influenced my approach to teaching and mentorship was my drama class and Shakespeare class during my student years. My teacher genuinely cared for his students, and at the end of the class, he approached me and said, ‘You did really well. If you bring me the papers you’ve completed this quarter, I will write you a recommendation.’ However, as a 17-year-old young man, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of a letter of recommendation at that time. It was only much later that I realized its importance.
This particular experience served as a catalyst, shaping my current teaching approach. As an instructor my primary goal is to impart this knowledge to students and provide them with the necessary tools to set up ‘the right package’ for success, not only here at SPSCC but also in their broader journeys. It is crucial for all students to have exposure to the tools that can contribute to their future success. These tools should be made available, empowering students to choose how and if they want to utilize them in building their own paths to success.
How have your experiences as a student at this college shaped your teaching philosophy and methods for supporting student success?
I have always felt that the teachers here at SPSCC genuinely care about their students. Teaching at this school has always been their first choice, driven by their passion and dedication. The emphasis is on recognizing students as unique individuals, which aligns with the core values of community colleges like SPSCC.
How do you incorporate experiential learning and real-world applications into your coursework, and what benefits do these approaches offer students?
Once again, it’s all about putting personal experience at the center. At CCS, we learn how to explore and investigate potential career paths. We navigate through the process, following given instructions while also taking on self-directed learning. The assignments often employ a ‘flip mode’ approach, where you discover what you will gain from them and what you can immediately apply to your everyday life. This way, you not only acquire knowledge but also develop practical skills.
And one final question, what would be your advice to future students and current students of SPSCC?
It won’t always go smoothly. There will be moments that feel unjust, where you may doubt your place. But remember, you have every right to experience those emotions. You are not just a bystander but an indispensable component of every class you step into. It’s perfectly fine to assert your identity, make your demands known, and seek assistance when needed. Don’t shy away from pushing the boundaries a little. As a student, it is your right to learn and succeed!
Author’s Note:
Although I meet you, the readers, in the role of Editor-in-Chief of Sounds News, I myself am an international student at SPSCC. Professor Dugwyler was one of the first teachers I had the pleasure of meeting and learning from. It was he who awakened in me the initial sense of belonging to the college. It was he who instilled in me the belief that I could navigate the challenging career path of a foreign student in a completely new and unfamiliar environment, studying complex subjects not in my mother tongue.
Now, nearing the end of the first stage of my education, I already feel like an inseparable part of the SPSCC family. I think with a light sadness about the approaching time when I won’t be able to enjoy the beautiful and soothing greenery in which all the paths wind between the different college buildings, transitioning from one lecture to another. I won’t be able to feel the specific scents of laboratory reagents in Building 35, won’t be able to see the biology and chemistry labs there, filled with students dressed in lab coats, brimming with curiosity, diligently carrying out the steps of another laboratory exercise. I won’t be able to immerse myself in the comforting coziness of the library and be enlightened by the smiles of the librarians and their eternal readiness to help you with all available resources. I couldn’t list in a few lines everything that I will truly miss, just as it is difficult for someone to say what they would miss from home because the place to which you belong is a sum of everything that is most precious to you. SPSCC will remain in my heart and memories forever. Once upon a time I timidly crossed the doorstep of the college for the first time. Now I am leaving with my head held high and with the love that I will cherish forever for this special place.
Thank you, South Puget Sound Community College!
Blaga Vladeva
Editor-In-Chief of Sounds News
And current student at SPSCC
