La Voz

Laura Raffaelli is a part-time English instructor here at De Anza College. She has been teaching at De Anza College and San Jose State University for three years.

"My favorite experience is seeing students connect personally with what they read." Raffaelli said. "It's amazing when we feel like a character relates to us or part of our lives. Literature is ultimately about our humanity."

Raffaelli is a former De Anza College student. She played in the basketball team that went to state finals during her sophomore year. "I remember the days that my teammates and I had to get up at 6 a.m. during weekdays to do timed running when it was freezing cold and dark in the track," she said.

Raffaelli spoke at her experiences with Mike Gervasoni, her basketball coach who was killed a few years ago in a traffic accident.

"Apart from teaching me how to play basketball, Mr. Gervasoni asked me questions and encouraged me to do well when I was confused and lost. Also, he helped me in life."

Raffaelli enjoys exercising during her leisure: practicing yoga, hiking and walking. She enjoys making crafts for family and friends, reading, traveling abroad every few years and watching movies.

She has had to adjust her mentality from a student to an instructor, learning about personal boundaries and limitations. "It takes time to grow into the role of working after being a student for most of one's life, but it is very rewarding when I know that my skills are improving and my work is benefiting others," she said.

Raffaelli likes to socialize with her students and offer advice and assistance to help them succeed in her English classes. "It's so delightful to see students progress successfully in their studies. I like hearing how they are doing after the quarter is over."

She suggested that students take advantage of the services and events offered by the campus to enrich their experience. "If you can, get involved in clubs, campus jobs or whatever interests you."

Article Tools