By Anthony Maese
Staff Writer
Each year, a Cal State Dominguez Hills instructor is recognized for their continued service and excellency.
The 2017 award went to English Professor Helen Oesterheld.
“It’s an honor to receive this award,” Oesterheld said, “especially because the faculty at CSUDH is extraordinarily committed to serving students and the institution. I’m proud to have the recognition of my colleagues, whom I admire so much.”
Known as “Dr. O” to students and faculty, Oesterheld has been a professor for more than 20 years.
“I remember the first time I ever taught at UC Irvine as a Ph.D. student in 1996 really clearly,” she said. “From the first day I knew teaching was for me, and I never looked back, though I have loved every job I’ve ever held at a university. There is no doubt, I am a creature of the university. I think this employment history goes a long way towards explaining my dedication to service.”
Helping others, she said, is a motivating factor in her career.
“What motivates me is being part of something that impacts the lives of others in a positive way,” she said. “I cannot think of an enterprise more powerful in this regard than educating students to become citizens of the world.”
For Toros who hope to one day become a teachers, Oesterheld suggests they view themselves as lifelong students.
“My advice for aspiring teachers is to think of yourself first and foremost as a learner,” Oesterheld said. “While it is true that you are expected to have knowledge and expertise in order to stand at the front of a classroom, you will be far more successful by approaching teaching as a dynamic partnership and by staying open to the things and the people around you — your colleagues — and your students — will teach you about themselves, about yourself and about the subject you are teaching.
“In short, nothing will teach you more than being a teacher. It’s a lovely paradox. Teaching at CSUDH and serving the campus community has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life.”
