Welcome to the third “spotlight” blog post featuring one of the faculty advisors of SEA & KDP at Governors State University!

   This week, our spotlight advisor is:   
Dr. Lisa Pennington
Assistant Professor

1) What would students be surprised to find out about you? (hidden talent or hobby)

• I’m pretty sure I don’t have one of these. Unless you count the amazing amount of dessert I can eat in one sitting.

2) What does a typical Saturday night or weekend look like for you?

• It could be one of two completely opposite things:
  • At home, reading/watching movies.
  • Out, at a concert.

3) What/who inspires or motivates you?

• My colleagues who do interesting things and my students who change their mind about social studies and decide it is in fact an exciting subject to teach.

4) What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment?

• Taking my 10 year old niece on her first international trip and bringing her home in one piece.

5) What is your favorite thing about your career?

• Sharing ideas for making social studies interesting and relevant to students.

6) What is one thing you’ve done that you think people should do/try at least once in their life?

• Either skydiving or traveling solo.

7) What’s something you’ve been meaning to try but just haven’t gotten around to it yet?

• A big hike-Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc, or the Salkantay Trek.

8) What is your favorite GSU memory?

• My hilarious first cohort waiting for me to finish eating cookies so we can take a class photo.

9) If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be? Why did you choose these individuals?

• Jack the Ripper (so that mystery would be solved)
• Tom Petty (because he is my all-time favorite musician)
• Michelle Obama (because she is awesome)
• Katherine Switzer (the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, registering using her initials)

10) What are you most looking forward to in the next few months?

• I’m looking forward to taking my now 12 year old niece on her second international trip and running the Chicago Marathon in the fall.
• In general, I’m looking forward to warm weather.

11) What are you most looking forward to in the next 10 years?

• Continuing to get to know Chicago.
• Hopefully, lots more international travel.

12) What would be your best piece of advice to a future teacher?

• Figure out an organizational system that works for you and stick with it.

If you have any questions to ask Dr. Pennington or would simply like to share your thoughts, please use the comment section below. Thank you!

Answers Provided by Dr. Lisa Pennington
Spotlight Post Written by Sireen Hamarshah