Welcome all to the Fall 2020 Semester!

We are thrilled to kick off the start of the semester with a new HUMSOC Blog series entitled Meet the Division. We hope that these entries provide students with opportunities to get to know the amazing faculty and staff in the Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences (aka HUMSOC!)

For the first week we are highlighting two members of our community that work behind the scenes!!

MEET ALEX DILL:

Alex Dill works as the Administrative Assistant for the HUMSOC division. Alex graduated from MMC with a B.A. in English Language and Literature and continued her studies in a Master’s Program in Gender Studies and Creative Writing at New York University. This is her second year working with the HUMSOC division and she is a vital asset to keep our lovely community functioning.

1. What is your favorite course/subject to teach here at Marymount? Why does this course interest you the most?
   • This semester I’ve been given the opportunity to teach LINK 101, a class that helps first year students learn about the college and it’s many resources, and build community. I’m really excited to get to work directly with students in this capacity.
2. What pedagogical approaches do you use when teaching? Why do you believe that this method is the most effective in engaging students?
   • Authenticity 
3. Why did you choose your individual career and/or field of study?
   • I always loved to read, and found myself interested in poetry and writing super young. As my “career” twists and turns, the one thing that’s steady is that I never stop writing. 
4. What is your favorite activity to do when you are not teaching?
   • I love to teach Pilates, cook vegan food, and ride my bike (her name is Dolly Jean Rose Louise Dill).
5. Do you own any pets? If so, how many? If not, why?
   • No pets, cause my roommate and I are both clean freaks! But I love animals, especially puppies and sloths and whales.
6. What is advice would you give to Marymount students in today’s uncertain and rapidly evolving world?
   • Learn/read as much and as widely as you can, always assume positive intent and lead with kindness, and figure out early how to take care of yourself mentally/physically/spiritually. Success is not about money or exhaustion, and defining that on your own terms will save you so much energy and anxiety along the way. Don’t for a second think that any one you know/follow, or “adults” have it all figured out, we are all learning and evolving and feeling the effects of the world as it turns. Put succinctly: remember to breathe.

MEET DORIAN PROVECHER:

Dorian Provencher works closely with Alex & the HUMSOC division through the Federal Work-Study Program. Dorian is a Junior seeking a dual-degree in International Studies and Politics & Human Rights. We are super excited to have Dorian on board with our department!

1. What is your favorite course/subject that you have taken here at Marymount? Why does this course interest you the most?
   • Out of the courses that I have taken so far, I have two favorite courses. Power: Conflict & Diplomacy was an interesting class that educates students about the concept of power in international relations. I am interested in this course as it is a part of my studies in the IS program, but would encourage students of all departments to take it. Secondly, America’s Founding was a “reacting to the past” (role playing) pedagogical approach to teaching the constitutional founding of the United States. Especially during quarantine this course was a nice escape from the 21st Century. Again, a MUST TAKE!
2. Why did you choose your individual career and/or field of study?
   • I chose International Studies and Politics & Human Rights because of my interest in contemporary global issues; specifically cases of human rights. I plan to use my education to work with NGOs and IGOs that seek to enhance global human rights.
3. What is your favorite activity to do when you are not in school?
   • When I am not in school, I enjoy listening to music, dancing around, going on walks, and reading.
4. Do you own any pets? If so, how many? If not, why?
   • YES! I own three wonderful pets who unfortunately are all back home in North Carolina. I have 2 dogs: Juju & Opti and a cat: Shadow.
5. What is advice would you give to Marymount students in today’s uncertain and rapidly evolving world?
   • Study hard and take care of yourself. Our awesome faculty members are working really hard to ensure that MMC can continue to effectively educate its students even in a global pandemic. Study hard and take as many opportunities as possible to further your education. Even though its a tough situation, I have no doubt that our community will be able to persevere. And finally, take care of yourself, these times are unprecedented. We all need to take that into consideration when we are doing work and studying. Treat yourself, spend time with your loved ones, and do whatever you need to ensure that you are both mentally and physically healthy!