(864) 977-7000
 


Thompson Tells Students Their 'Voice is Valuable'

 

MY NAME IS . . .

Dr. Becky Louise Thompson

 

I’VE BEEN TEACHING AT NGU SINCE . . .

2002

 

MY JOB IS . . .

the coordinator for English language arts secondary education and the coordinator for freshman English and sophomore literature. And then, of course, I teach. But most of all, I’m almost like a counselor. I can get students from all majors, and it gives me an opportunity to teach them to be good communicators. I want to teach them that their voice is valuable.

 

WHEN I’M NOT GRADING PAPERS . . .

a lot of it is reading! I do know it seems very typical. I’d like to say, “Oh, I love waterskiing!” Or, I don’t know, “Oh, I make cornhusk dolls!” (I don’t know where that just came from. See, I’m already known for the weird dolls and puppets, but if I knew how to make cornhusk dolls, I could make all my own dolls.)

 

INTERESTING PLACES I’VE TRAVELLED TO ARE . . .

all of the author homes I’ve visited, from Connecticut with Mark Twain’s house to Stephen King’s house in Maine.

 

MY FAVORITE AUTHOR IS . . .

Oh, my stars! [It] would have to be Emily Dickinson.

 

ONE OF MY FUN CLASSROOM TRADITIONS IS . . .

I always take pictures of my classes. Teaching is my ministry. And in those three or four months, that’s my chance to make an impact. I take the picture because I would love to think that, when a student leaves my classroom, he or she is different because of knowing me — not  just because of me, but seeing Christ in me. And I want to have a memento of sorts.

 

I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A COLLEGE PROFESSOR WHEN . . .

I never thought about teaching college until I actually did it as a grad assistant. But I do love teaching college, and I know it’s a calling. College students are inquisitive, and they’re finding their voice. And it’s such a rewarding experience to witness them figuring out who they are.

 

MY TEACHING MOTTO IS . . .

I pray that I see each one, I listen to each one, I recognize each one.

 

I THINK MY SUBJECT IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE . . .

we as humans are made up of words.

 

I DECIDED TO JOIN THE NGU FAMILY BECAUSE . . .

God uprooted me. It was the only time in my life I really didn’t know what I was going to do. When I left Northland — it’s in the Upper Peninsula of Wisconsin — it’s a beautiful place: mountains, forests, and deer everywhere. And when I left, I was crying and crying, and my sister wanted to know why. And I said, “I’m never going to teach anywhere beautiful again.” And it wasn’t even two weeks later that I was driving to Tigerville for the first time. I got out of my car, and I immediately looked towards those mountains. Even before I’d spoken to a person, I knew this was where I was going to be.

 

THE TITLE OF MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY WOULD BE . . .

“Even Though You’re Not Listening, I’m Still Talking.”

 

MY FAVORITE PART OF TEACHING IS . . .

It’s remarkable that I get paid to read books that I already want to read and talk about authors that I already want to talk about, but it’s all about the students.

 

                        

Related Stories


2017 Summer Camp Information
Women's soccer, women's volleyball, and football are offering several camp opportunities this summer for children of all ages.

‘The Art of Persuasion’ Seminar to be led by NGU’s Drake
Seminar will focus on developing practical strategies and skills for persuasive communication.  

NGU Celebrates 125th Anniversary
Events planned to engage community. 

NGU and GSHRM Host 'Hiring Heroes' Lunch & Learn
Seminar to address strategies for creating veteran-friendly organizations.

NGU's Latest Club Heading for Fresh 'Shoars'
The love of fishing is making a splash among NGU's campus community.

Governor to Speak at December Graduation
Governor Henry McMaster will deliver the commencement address at December 9 graduation.

Thompson Named to Leadership Greenville Class
Participants selected through a thorough application process including essays, professional resume, and community involvement.  

Friends, Family, and Football Highlight NGU’s Homecoming
NGU welcomes alumni, students, friends, and fans to campus.