How long have you been enrolled in the SMC Emeritus program?
3 semesters (I also spent 3 semesters as an Emeritus faculty member).
What was your occupation prior to retirement?
I taught English & Creative Writing at SMC. (Notably, I also taught English at Vietnam
National University after the war ended. As a result of that experience, & w/help
from the SMC Associates, I was able to invite Le Van Bang, Vietnam's
Ambassador to the US, to speak here. The event wasMAS at the RAND HQ in Santa Monica.
What was your highest level of education?
Earned College Bachelor Degree or higher.
What are the top three reasons why you value the SMC Emeritus Program?
- Dedication of the faculty & students to education.
- Openness of faculty & students to a variety of perspectives.
- Accessibility of students to faculty & administrative staff.
Pearls of Wisdom: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Study harder, write more & avoid working 3 part-time jobs during the semester.
How would your advice to your 50-year-old self differ?
Send your writing out to potential publishers w/more regularity.
What are some of your biggest accomplishments in life?
My interventions & involvement helped a potentially eruptive situation turn out peacefully.
The SMC Emeritus Program has helped me as a lifelong learner because it assists me re: keeping my spirit & mind operational at a noteworthy level.
The best part about being an SMC Emeritus student is I'm still moved to expand my intellectual horizons of a regular basis.