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SBCC FACULTY EXCELLENCE AWARD Professor - Learning Disabilities Specialist, DSPS
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Interview with Mary Lawson :
What teaching tip or counseling advice do you have for other faculty?
Whatever it is you do with students, do it with enthusiasm and joy. Students will learn from you if they trust you.
What "Words of Wisdom" do you have for other faculty?
Be open to the possibility that students have more academic potential than they may appear to have, but always hold true to your standards as instructors.
What careers or jobs did you have before working at SBCC?
I worked as a psychiatric technician in a mental-health facility, as a medical assistant for both a renal specialist and an ophthalmologist, as a research assistant in undergraduate and graduate school, and of course as a waitress at Denny’s. My first teaching job was with 5-to-21 year-olds with developmental disabilities in a rural area of Northern California
Who was your most influential teacher and why?
Mrs. Cherie Harley, 11th grade honors English class, because she was fearless, bold and creative back in the “olden days” before Women’s Lib. She wore a chartreuse cape and dyed her hair red and taught us how to think and question authority and to not take life so seriously that you got an ulcer trying to win a scholarship to college.
What is your favorite student line or excuse?
“I didn’t read the assignment directions correctly because of my dyslexia.” I never accept this as an excuse, only as an explanation.
What are your hobbies/interests?
Science fiction is a real joy for me, in print and film. Reading, reading and more reading. Singing, performing on a stage, music, drawing, spiritual study, film-watching and analysis, loving and being loved.
What are you reading now?
The Spiritual Universe by F. Wolf, The Promise of Sleep by W. Dement, The Holographic Universe by M. Talbot, any books by B.T. Grieve such as The Meaning of Life and Dear Mom, Einstein by W. Isaacson, and loads of science fiction novels and short stories.
What do you love about your job?
I love it when a student learns that s/he is capable of achieving something once thought to be impossible. I love working with people who listen, communicate and care about their work and how it impacts students.
What has been your greatest accomplishment and/or challenge?
My deepest challenge has been raising a daughter in this media- and technology-saturated culture that superficially connects our children to each other while separating them from their families. My most fulfilling accomplishment has been “keeping the faith” while she has grown into her true self during her journey. Secondly, being with my mother almost every day of the last few months as she struggles with cancer has changed me forever.
What's one thing most people don't know about you?
I lived in Chicago during the turbulent 60’s, marched in anti-war demonstrations, wore boots and beads, had long blonde hair, saw Gracie Slick (Jefferson Airplane) up close at a small club, and witnessed riots and martial law after Reverend King’s assassination.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
The thrilling stillness that comes from an epiphany. The wave of joy as I sing my own song with a band supporting my moment of creation. Looking into my baby’s eyes at birth. Knowing I am loved even with my imperfections.
What historical figure would you most want to meet?
Margaret Sanger, pioneer champion of women’s reproductive rights in America during a time of ignorance and fear surrounding this subject. I want to know how she found the courage to persevere against such strong opposition and threat.
What is your favorite place in the world?
The Island of Kauai.
What is your personal motto?
Live in the heart and find your truth there.