For those of you who have had Ms. Solomon as a professor for one of your comm classes, you probably were probably baffled at how energetic and down to earth she was on the first day of class. She is someone who is able to keep it real from week 0 to 10. By the end of quarter, you’re able to tell her some of your deepest and darkest secrets. Luckily, we were able to catch up with Solomon (and not through her instagram or snapchat, mind you) and ask her some questions so read on to find out a little more about one of the coolest professors here at Cal State LA.
What sparked your love for communication enough to want to teach it to students as a career?
My very first semester in college, I took an Interpersonal COMM class at the local community college. I was AMAZED that I was able to see what I was reading in the textbook applied in the “real world.” That particular class kept me coming back to college each semester because I knew I had found my passion! After I did my BA at Cal State LA, I wanted to continue to grad school and be part of the Graduate Teaching Associate program and teach COMM 150. My mentor, colleagues and students were the bomb they kept me going. I have always loved learning, but communication was my heart and soul! Still is! <3
How was transitioning from a student at Cal State LA to a professor here? Pros and cons?
After grad school was over, I began working as an adjunct instructor at Cal State LA and many different community colleges in LA County, but there was no place like HOME. Cal State LA gave me life, honestly, so making the transition to an adjunct instructor was easy. I was grateful to have an opportunity to be able to give back to the school and department that gave so much to me! #csulaforlife
Pros – Seriously, where do I start?! J Cal State LA is honestly my home place. If it weren’t for my classmates and professors that were patient with me, my life would have been so different. Therefore, the biggest pro of being a professor at Cal State LA is being able to dedicate my time to a school, department and community that took me in, nurtured me, and encouraged me to grow as an individual and a scholar. Plus, I LOVE to see my former professors and students around campus. Watching y’all continue to grow is priceless.
Cons – Uhhh, I don’t know if there are any cons other than I miss my MA/GTA cohort! LOL! We were the best of friends during grad school and we still stay in touch. We were just texting earlier today about the upcoming COMM conference and how excited we are to be together again! All of us are doing so many different things now, yet we always make time to get together when someone is in town. #bestcohortever! Yes, we have our own hashtag. LOL!
Are the students at Long Beach different from students here in Los Angeles?
OMG, yes! I teach at Long Beach Community College on Monday and Wednesday mornings before I come up to Cal State LA. The majority of students at LBCC are first or second year and many have not declared their major. They are still trying to find their passion in life and transition out of high school.
How were you as a college student? Any golden rules to follow so one doesn’t get overwhelmed?
I am a first generation college student so I had to navigate my college career by myself. It was frustrating, but I wanted my COMM degree so bad I was going to do whatever it took to get it! I asked my classmates and professors a lot of questions and looked to them for answers. As much as I hated all the hard work I had to do, in hindsight, that was the best thing for me. I proved to myself that I worked hard for my degree and that I wasn’t lazy. Absolutely nothing got in my way!
As far as a golden rule…the best way to guarantee that you don’t get overwhelmed with life, class, or work is DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!!!! I am so serious; if you manage your time effectively and stick with your detailed schedule, there is no reason you can not do well in your courses, have a job and have a social life all at the same time. Just try it once, it won’t hurt, don’t put things off and see how much personal freedom is sitting in that space. I believe that procrastination is a result of not believing in yourself. As I tell my students, trust yourself, trust your instincts and trust your abilities! Also, keep in mind that assignments have YOUR name on it. That assignment is a representation of you and the quality of YOUR work. Take pride in yourself! You can have it all while you are in college as long as you trust yourself and your ability to succeed.
I took your Comm 230, Interpersonal Conflicts, class last quarter (I highly recommend it) and it was the most emotional class I have ever had in my entire LIFE! Did you have any clue that class would have been that emotional and cathartic?
Ahhhh! I know, right?! I LOVED you and your classmates! Our class had some of the greatest discussions and we learned so much from each other! I didn’t know it was going to be like that, each class has a different communication climate and that is determined by many different factors. I will say this though; I don’t allow cell phones in my class at all. I ask my students to put their phone away on the very first day and be in the moment learn together as a team. If you are respectful of the learning environment and mindful of your contribution to our team, we will win the Super Bowl! WHOOP WHOOP!
As a former student, you treated us as equals and acted more like a fellow girlfriend. Although we knew to never disrespect you, is there a particular reason why you conduct class this way instead of having a ‘normal’ clear distinction of professor and student?
What is ‘normal’ anyway? That’s the beauty of the COMM discipline and how I was taught to teach; everyone has their own style and you start to figure out what works well for you as an instructor and what you can improve upon. For example, my first quarter teaching I asked my students what I could do differently to improve my future classes. They told me, “Uh Miss Solomon, when you use PowerPoint you are awkward.” I loved the authenticity of that comment and to be honest, I knew I was awkward with PowerPoint. So I choose to try another teaching method and began to write on the board. Which is a lot more fun for me, cause I like to use all the colorful markers! LOL! For real though, I just do me. I am the same person inside the classroom as I am outside of the classroom. I pride myself on being true to myself, which I hope it rubs off on my students. I want my students to know that I am there for them no. Matter. What. I know college and life isn’t easy esp. if you don’t have a lot of support. I want to be that instructor that makes a difference in every single one of my students’ lives. <3
What is the one thing you want all your students who have had you to always remember?
Ahhhh…I love this question! Only one thing?! Hmmm… I want them to use and continue to sharpen their COMM tools every single day. Words are power! Be self-less, stand up what you believe in, don’t be afraid to be different, and tell the important people in your life that they matter to you. You can be anyone you want to, find your passion and don’t give up till it is yours.
Last but not least, how is Mr. Long Body? (For those who don’t know, he is Professor Solomon’s baby dachshund)
Ohhhhh! Mr. Long Body! He is soooo sweet! I love that sweet little boy so much! LOL! Other than his barking at skateboarders, he is doing awesome! He looks forward to days at the dog beach, playing with his friends and going on long walks with his mom. He’s the apple of my eye. ;) <3