You remember that any decision you make doesn’t only affect you but everyone around you, and you have to be careful of that. You’d have to recognize that your own actions can result in someone else behaving in an aggressive or negative manner. It’s all those times, especially heading a department and being a coordinator, dealing with different types of people under stressful conditions. It’s all those times that I’ve failed that have truly taught me to become a better person or a more powerful individual.
What book/song/movie made you realize a side of you that you were not aware of prior to experiencing that?
That’s a tough question…very tough question! Because at any phase of my life there’s always been this one work that has helped change my perspective, or helped me ask myself a question that I needed to ask at that time. From The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner to The Unbearable Lightness of Being, which came at a time when I was trying to decide whether to stay with my parents in the Senegal or come and teach here and live here with my brother; it allowed me to see that a lot of the time, what we see as decision that will either make or break you should be seen as a chance for investigating what’s out there, and even if it doesn’t work out, to recognize that’s it’s not the end.
A lot of students have described you as their "idol"; what is it about you that you think makes you so inspirational?
I don’t know; I mean, it’s wonderful to hear that! To be honest, it brings tears to a teacher's eyes to hear that students look up to you! When you look at yourself, you don’t really see that…you shouldn’t. You should always see yourself as a work in progress, as someone who’s growing and hoping to instill that love of life. I mean, my literature students would know that instilling that passion in them and seeing it reflect in them is what makes it worthwhile. So why is it? I mean, I’m flattered, but I don’t know. I’m hoping it’s because I love what I do, I’m hoping it’s because I love them, and I’m hoping that comes across.