Virag White
Assistant Professor
Visual Arts & Design
School of Arts Communications & Media
What she teaches:
ART 1120 Design, ART 1230 Type & Layout, ART 2412 Illustrator Software, ART 2420 Advanced Illustrator Software
Number of years teaching at SLCC:
7
Undergraduate:
Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary – B.S. in Physical Education & Sports Science
SLCC – AAS Visual Art & Design Emphasis in Graphic Design & Illustration
Why working at SLCC matters:
Since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be an educator. I took a few d-tours in my professional life before I became one. Along that journey first, I was a student at SLCC in the same department I teach now. My professors left a long-lasting impression on my professional life. I leaned everything that I needed to succeed as a designer. I learned to be passionate about art, the design field, and the people I work with. Now it is my turn to install a good work ethic and passion for both the arts and profession into my students.
Greatest professional challenge:
As educators, we faced the biggest challenge of our carrier in March. Unprecedented world events took place with the COVID-19 pandemic. We all had to make unplanned changes to our teaching methods and material in a short amount of time. Lectures that were depending on our live delivery had to be converted to remote or fully online lectures, assignments that were relying on group collaboration had to be altered. On top of all these changes, both us and our students had to cope with the emotional aspect of the unknown.
By losing the benefits of face-to-face interaction, it was very challenging to make sure that all of the students enrolled in my classes succeeded, and the quality of the education did not suffer. Several of my students faced significant challenges in their personal lives as a result of the pandemic. My goal was to make sure that I listen and help them through these difficult times both on an individual and on the academic level as well.
The trial of the pandemic is not over yet. I have to make decisions and changes to my courses in the fall. However, I believe that both my students and I will come out at the end stronger and capable of quickly adapting to the ever-changing world around us.
Greatest professional accomplishment:
After reflecting on my adult life, it finally dawned on me that my greatest achievement is possibly my transition from my country of origin to be a productive member of my chosen homeland. It is a little bit like friends versus family. We do not get to pick our family, but we do choose our friends. In this case, my country.
Advice for students or others:
My biggest advice for students is to always look at the bigger picture. The goal of education is not to earn a degree or pass a class, that is an outcome. The goal is to learn skills that will enable students to get their desired job, but most importantly, to grow as individuals. Always strive to do your absolute best at everything and dream big and follow your passion.
Future plans:
In my area, there are constant technical and trend changes. I am determined to stay informed and educate myself about the newest software and hardware updates. I also plan on building up my instructional design skills and earn an M. Ed. degree focusing on technology-based adult education.
Hobbies:
I love the mountains. They are the all-year-around playground for people like me. I enjoy everything the mountains can offer, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking. I am passionate about photography, and I like to photograph nature.
When I am not in the mountains, you can find me in one of the local tennis courts. I am a competitive person by nature, so I like to measure my skills by participating in competitive tennis leagues.
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