This morning, I woke up to the following email from a former student (name has been removed).
Subject: Class of 1987 STCC Laser Electro Optic graduate
My name is ABCD TUVWXYZ Many moons ago you were my advisor and one of my professors in the Laser Electro Optic Technology program at STCC. I've been reminiscing recently and you popped in my head. I wanted to drop a quick e-mail to say thank you, I'm happily retired after having a rewarding career as a field engineer for 33 years. I ended up installing and repairing dozens of devices that used lasers. One used a laser to look for leaks after open heart surgery. Another used a spectrometer in a blood analyzer.
Once again, thank you.
Pretty cool! It's remarkable how certain students stay with us - I can picture this one as clearly as if they were in my classroom just months ago. These lasting connections make me reflect on what draws people to this profession:
- The joy of witness - There's nothing quite like seeing that moment when understanding dawns in a student's eyes or hearing years later about their successes.
- Passion shared is passion multiplied - Great educators often fall in love with theor discipline twice - first with their subject, then with the art of sharing it.
- The cycle of inspiration - Many of us teach because we remember those who lit the spark in us, and we yearn to pass that flame forward.
- The privilege of mentorship - Building relationships with students and guiding their growth creates bonds that often last a lifetime.
- Legacy through learning - By helping shape curious, capable minds, educators help build the foundation for society's future.
And….. Springfield Technical Community College is seeking a full-time professor to lead that same Laser Optics Technology (Photonics) program. This role offers the opportunity to shape curriculum, mentor tomorrow's professionals, and advance the field of photonics, technology and engineering education. Ready to transform your expertise into academic excellence and guide the next generation of technologists, scientists and engineers? Here’s a link to the position posting.
