Features
Andrea Dobson, Astronomy and General Studiesby Jeffrey Parker, '01 Whitman College influenced me so greatly because it not only worked to make me a good scientist, it also worked to balance my spirit as a well-rounded person. Every person at Whitman inspired fond memories for me, but beyond that a handful of people volunteered to take a greater responsibility. Whether she knows it or not, Andrea Dobson significantly influenced my mental and social well-being during my life at Whitman. Andrea made Whitman memorable for me in many ways. She taught me several important factoids that are vital to survive in this world. For example: you can punch about 400 holes in a Backstage Bistro espresso card before it falls apart, stars are commonly known as “beasties,” and it’s safer to include a range of values when determining the answer to life, the universe, and everything rather than just 42, to name a few. On her more serious side Andrea also taught me not to tarry on my thesis. In retrospect, I know I needed that advice more than I was willing to admit. Besides the obvious roles of professor and adviser, concerning herself with her students’ academic achievements, Andrea also pays close attention to her students on a more personal basis. She has a way (and I love this about her) of silently acknowledging when a student is unhappy in some way, and she offers her energy to help fix the trouble. Yet she is respectfully discreet in her acknowledgments in order to preserve her students’ privacy. During my own struggles at Whitman, I appreciated Andrea’s kindness and respect to no end. At all other times, I enjoyed her friendship. For the lessons she taught me and for the concern she showed to me, it is easy for me to say that Andrea has been an absolutely marvelous adviser for my life, as I’m sure she is for many other lives at Whitman and elsewhere.
|
|
|