October 4, 2013 | SharkAdmin NVC Sociology Instructor Miriam Thompson has seen many facets of the college over the last nine years. She first got a glimpse of the college as a freelancer helping with the NVC catalog – that was when it was still printed. She liked the college so much she soon after became an adjunct instructor in 2006. She’s married to one of NVC’s History professors, Terry Goddard. What is your background (are you from San Antonio, where did you grow up)? I am originally from Little Rock, Ark., where I lived until I graduated from high school. I also lived in Austin for a number of years before I moved to San Antonio in 2000. What is your educational background? I have a Master of Science in Sociology from The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Master of Arts in Religion from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from DePauw University. Where did you work prior to NVC? Prior to NVC, I was a graphic designer. Most of my work was freelance, but I also worked part time doing the graphic work for a retirement community in San Antonio. One of my freelance jobs was laying out NVC's course catalog; this was when we still printed the catalog! It was also before I started teaching at NVC. What is the best part about working at NVC? The best part of working at NVC is the students! I love sociology and enjoy introducing students to the subject. I remember the first sociology class I took as an undergraduate. I was introduced to perspectives of the world and cultural ideals that I had never imagined. The professor helped open my eyes to new ways of seeing society. It was an exciting and important experience. I enjoy striving to create the same opportunity for our students. What is the most rewarding part about your job? The most rewarding part of teaching sociology is when students start understanding the sociological perspective. Sociologists specialize in so many different areas that students often leave introductory sociology classes wondering what exactly sets sociology apart as a discipline. The answer is that sociology is a perspective; and when students get it, and like it, I find it rewarding. Another rewarding experience is being a faculty advisor. Learning how to advise has shown me how much students can benefit from talking to faculty members who are knowledgeable in the students' areas of interest. What are your hobbies, interests, favorite activities? I practice Ashtanga Yoga, hike national parks, read, and play fetch with my cat. What NVC core value (synergy, caring, diversity, learning, joy, openness, community, integrity, creativity) best describes you? Integrity is my favorite NVC value. My stepfather taught me that people with strong ethical codes, work to achieve them. I think it is important to engage in this endeavor. Do you have a personal motto that you live by or tell your students? “Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.” —- Mahatma Gandhi
