Patrick Smith - Faculty Mentor

Patrick Smith - Faculty Mentor

What is your teaching discipline?

Psychology

What brought you to the area?

I became interested in psychology because people fascinate me. I love to listen to people and hear how they have come to the places where they are in their lives. Each person is a bit different from everyone else, and those little differences make life enjoyable and unpredictable. Because I like people, my interest in psychology focuses on helping people to develop and grow and become who they really are meant to be.

What is your teaching philosophy?

My philosophy of teaching is about personal transformation. I think people can be essentially better and the purpose of life is to grow and become more focused, effective, and content versions of ourselves.

What do you hope your students take away from your courses?

The main objective of my courses is to become personally transformed into who we want to and essentially can become.

What do you like to do on the weekends?

I like to hang out with my wife and son, watch football, play video games, and take care of stuff around the house.

What is the most memorable place you have traveled to?

I have seen Egypt, Israel, Greece, and Canada, but my favorite place is the Bahamas because of its warmth and beauty.

What is in your refrigerator right now?

I have a great deal of leftovers from Christmas in the fridge.

What makes you laugh out loud?

I laugh out loud a great deal, but especially when I remember goofy things people has said or done when they are taking themselves seriously.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement is being married for over 28 years and raising our son, who is a really cool and nice person. Whether that is because of me or despite my faults, I am not always sure. I still consider this an achievement because I either know how to help him or get out of his way to develop well.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I like really great computer equipment. I do not have very good computer equipment, but I would like to do so.

Who is your hero?

I have lots of heroes, like my son, Jesus Christ, and Colin Powell.