When we are in college we face many kinds of people, especially professors who can make us feel happiness as well as fear. But there are also those professors who make your semester very special and enjoyable. There are professors who encourage you and make you feel comfortable and confident with your class and peers. Meet Dr. Kenneth DiLorenzo, assistant professor at the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico, San German Campus. He is an amazing human who goes above and beyond the call of duty. A professor who encouraged our small group in joining Her Campus and showed us how important is for young women like us to become leaders in our society to effect the changes we want to see.
HC: Do you think DiLorenzo the professor and DiLorenzo the person are different? How so?
KD: I bring my personality into the classroom and I’m the same person inside as well as outside of my classroom!
HC: What do you think is your greatest achievement?
KD: My greatest achievement is when I walk into a grocery store or walk down the street and a student comes up to me and says “you’re the best teacher I ever had—I learned so much from you!” That’s my greatest achievement!
HC: What classes do you teach? Which one you like the most?
KD: Well this semester I have four general classes, two Public Speaking classes and a Master’s class. So I enjoy the Public Speaking classes both with concentration students and for the general students but I also enjoy my master’s students because they aspire to do what I’m already doing, being an English teacher.
HC: The first time I heard about you was like “he’s the guy with the funny and creative ties.” What can you say about this?
KD: Well, it looked like it was going to be a rainy day today so I wore my raincloud tie as you can see (shows his tie). I have a lot of different ties that I wear according to the day, like for example if we are in baseball season or the way I’m feeling that day. I like to switch it up a little!
HC: In some of your classes we heard you were born in the United States. Why did you decide to teach here in Puerto Rico?
KD: That’s a good question. I came here for one year to polish up my Spanish and that was eleven years ago. Like many people who came here for a year, we ended up staying. I mean I came for one reason but I stayed because of the people!
HC: As a professor, what was the most important thing you learned about one of your students?
KD: The tremendous sacrifices that some students make in order to achieve their educational and career objectives is something that every educator needs to know. Our students give up a lot just to be here in the classroom and perform. Snaps to them!
HC: Do you regret your decision to be a professor?
KD: No never. I LOVE teaching. I’ve been a teacher in various capacities. No matter what I’ve done, I’ve always been somehow involved in the communication of knowledge and being a teacher full time brings it all together.
HC: What things do you think would motivate people to follow their dreams?
KD: I think people follow their dreams when they see others being successful. Seeing others who don’t care or who give up or = don’t try is demotivating. But seeing others executing at the highest level and being successful motivates students to follow their dreams. Find a mentor and do what the mentor is doing but be your own person, too.
HC: If you were not a professor, what do you think would be your profession? Why?
KD: If I were not a professor, I would hope to work with students in some other capacity.
HC: Can you tell us a funny anecdote do you have in class?
KD: In class I have so many but I want to share one about being here in Puerto Rico. I found funny the way Puerto Ricans give directions. Like instead of East and West, people say to make a left by the pink house—well it used to be pink, but it’s not anymore! Or make a right at the mango tree—how is a New York City boy supposed to know which one is the mango tree?
HC: Do you want to add something to this interview?
KD: Yes I’d like to add two things. First, one of the greatest joys I have in my job is work with student organizations such as the English Club, the ROTC (Reserve Officers Trainig Corps), and BPA (Business Professionals of America). Idalmy Ramos and her crew do a top notch job in eliciting student involvement and their participation in these organizations, which prepares them for the world of work. Second. I’d like to applaud Dr. Graciela Tesan and the staff of Her Campus. Women play a vital role in the rebuilding of society after the recent hurricanes to keep the great work!
This interview was very special to me. Dr. DiLorenzo is the professor everyone needs in their life and I hope future students on our campus enjoy his classes as much as I have. Some other students and a professor wanted to share their thoughts on Professor Dr. Dilorenzo:
–Andrés Padro: I’ve wait it for years to finally have class with DiLorenzo because I have known him from around campus but I never had class with him until my final semester, and I have never enjoy a class more.
–Gianina Linares: DiLorenzo is the kindest professor you’ll ever meet at our campus. He cares about every single one of his students. You’ll be surprised at how fast he learns your name and even notices changed in you. One of my favorite memories I have with DiLorenzo is him noticing I was wearing different glasses. It’s a simple thing but it proves that he pays good attention to his students.
-Gabriela Rosado: Prof. Kenneth DiLorenzo is one of the hardest working pro-Inter and pro-student faculty members on Campus. He’s always there to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it. In the classroom you can’t help but to be as optimistic as he is. Very kind, humble, and creative. One of the best, if not, the best.
-Dr. Marta Viada: Where should I begin? It’s hard to say since we have shared many things throughout the years. Kenneth was my student in the MA in TESL Program. He took the Research Methods course with me. My first impression about Kenneth was as a master’s student. He was one of the best students I’ve had, not only because he was committed academically 100%+++, but also because he was kind and gentle always offering a helping hand to his peers. Later he became a friend. Kenneth helped me any time I had difficulties. He has his unique way cheering me up when I was exhausted or frustrated. My dear friend, became my dog sitter in many occasions. Gazú (my dog) still loves him dearly. I remember Gazú racing down the street after Kenneth’s car when he left. I was near DiLorenzo during the years when he was studying in his doctoral degree. Seeing him graduate with flying colors gave me great satisfaction. The universe conspired in Dr. DiLorenzo’s favor allowing him to be the candidate chosen to fill in a tenure track position in our Department. As his colleague and supervisor I have witnessed his wholehearted dedication to every one of his students as well as his professional merits as an English Professor. It has been a great pleasure and a great honor to know Dr. Kenneth DiLorenzo as a student, a colleague and a dearest friend. Kenneth makes everyone’s day brighter and the world is a much better place just because he is here.