Although it may sound corny, I do enjoy watching graduates as they cross the stage at commencement. Not only are they crossing a literal stage but also a figurative one as their professional lives commence thereafter. There are many individuals who come through my classroom as merely students and leave as friends. It makes me proud to see former students in successful positions and know that I had a part to play in that success. It also makes me proud to know that I am contributing to the furthering of the professionalization of pharmacy.
Teaching is an awesome responsibility, but with it comes many pleasures.
I believe I was drawn to teaching because of the sense that it will allow me, in my own little corner of the world, to shape the future. I remember many of my teachers from elementary school to high school to Sunday school to college and residency who left indelible impressions on me. I wish to do the same thing and like to ponder the small role I may play in making our profession and world a nicer place to be. I think my students remember me as someone who is tough but fair, fun but balanced, professional but entertaining, and a dreamer but grounded in truth. If I can leave these impressions behind, I will have done my job and left a legacy for generations to come.