Hello Hokie Writers!
Our next installment of Get to Know Our GTA Mentors shines the spotlight on Laura Fehr. Laura received her MA from Virginia Tech in 2015.
Q: How many years have you taught at Virginia Tech?
A: I’ve taught at Virginia Tech for 5 years.
Q: What’s it like teaching Hokies?
A: Hokies have a great sense of community, and it makes teaching exciting. Virginia Tech students are generally willing to engage in serious discussions, challenge each other (and me), and they take an interest in each other’s research and writing.
Q: What’s your most memorable teaching moment?
A: My first semester teaching English 1105, I asked my students to read parts of their personal narratives in class. A student’s narrative was so moving, it made me cry. Pretty embarrassing actually, but I’ll never forget her story. Those moments make teaching really special.
Q: What made you want to be a mentor for English GTAs and what are you looking forward to most?
A: Teaching takes practice, and it took me a long time to figure out how to get students engaged and excited about writing. I’ve made some mistakes, but I’ve also learned some useful classroom activities and teaching strategies that I’m excited to share with GTAs. I also know that this process will help me reflect on my own teaching practices, and I’m looking forward to rethinking.
Q: Can you give us a popular culture recommendation?
A: Listen to My Favorite Murder, my favorite true crime podcast.
Q: What’s your #1 unpopular opinion?
A: Don’t go to Starbucks. Visit local coffee shops instead.
Wishing you a happy February,
The Virginia Tech Composition Team