“To teach someone, you have to be willing to learn from each other,” says Professor Ellen Cohn. “That involves genuine care and investment. I learn a lot from CGS students—they’re working, supporting children and parents, some are veterans, others are student athletes. I’m in awe of them.”
Ellen, who has been a CGS instructor since 1995 and whose daughter is a graduate of the College, says that CGS students tend to be widely diverse in terms of their interests and life experiences. And it’s important for her to make the effort to get to know her students so she’s able to find the best way to help each of them meet their goals.
Offers Ellen, “With each student, you see the gifts they bring—their character, level of excitement, what they offer in discussions—it’s more than just looking at a GPA.”
Ellen’s trademark enthusiasm, mastery of her subject matter—she teaches a health communications course that meets requirements for the College’s Media and Professional Communications and Health Services majors as well as several certificate programs—and interest in her students has prompted many of them to ask her for advice, reference letters, and recommendations as they complete their undergraduate degrees and prepare for the next steps of their personal and professional journeys.
“So many of our students are outstanding candidates for graduate work—law school, medical school—as well as awards and scholarships,” says Ellen. “They succeed here and go on to even greater successes. It’s really a joy to be part of that.”