Harry E. Brakebill Distinguished Professor Award, 2021-2022
I am really humbled and honored to have been the recipient of this year’s Harry E. Brakebill Distinguished Professor award. I always wanted to be a teacher since a very young age and I have always aimed to make a positive impact on my students’ lives. When I started teaching at Cal State San Marcos, I never thought that you –my students- were also going to make such positive impact on my life. Indeed, you have inspired my research with your thoughtful queries and you have offered me so many proud moments with your accomplishments.
I started my career as a tenure track faculty in 1999. I chose this campus because I immediately saw how passionate staff and faculty were about student success. Today, student success continues to be at the center of the University mission and it has been my priority as a faculty member as well.
I am aware of the challenges that our current times bring in order for you to achieve your education: the length and uncertainty of the pandemic, the switch to virtual instruction, social isolation, financial hardship, inconsolable losses and additional adversity that you may be confronting.
However, what I have learned from you, dear students, over my 21 years at CSUSM is that you do not give up, you are more resilient that you think, you are tenacious, you do not lose track of your goals, and you are courageous as you juggle your many different responsibilities and adversities.
Being courageous also means asking for help when you are facing struggles that are difficult to overcome; your professors and the resources on campus are in place to assist you and to help you succeed academically. Do not hesitate to ask for help.
Continue to keep your goals in sight as a guide. At the same time, do not limit your horizons; keep them wide open to go as far as you can go with an open mindset.
Perseverance is key to achieving a degree. You can do it! ¡Sí se puede! Vous pouvez y arriver!
I am very proud of being your professor and I look forward to continuing instructing many of you.
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