Meet the Faculty: Carmen Livingston

Courses Currently Teaching

English Composition 1
English Composition 2
General Literature 

 

Most Memorable CCAC Experience

My most fruitful experience was helping students record oral histories of local veterans as an extension project for a thematic section of English 102 that I was teaching. I was awarded the John Dziak Faculty Development & Engagement grant to buy digital recorders for the project. I contacted the founder of a veterans' oral history project who solicited interested participants. Over a few weeks, I had three students volunteer to learn interviewing skills and then to spend a couple of hours recording the oral stories of veterans from WWII, the Cold War era, and the Iraq War. Watching the students invest their time and develop their understanding of primary research really encouraged me to continue with incorporating such hands-on practical research in this course. In addition, I was glad to include such a project due to my professional past as a newspaper journalist and my ongoing advocacy for preserving the voices of everyday people during crises.

 

Why I Teach What I Teach

I love language and the power of words. I think of writing as a tool any person, regardless of career choice, should develop and use to exercise intellect and voice. Understanding how to effectively communicate will make a difference in anyone's life.

 

Something People Might Not Know About Me

I love nature, especially hiking and being in or near water. Some of my favorite outdoor experiences have been hiking the Chimney Tops Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains, jumping into a swimming hole in Tobago, and most recently climbing under Cucumber Falls in Ohiopyle State Park. My goal in life is to venture frequently without fear or folly.

 

Favorite Quote

"Be a pilgrim and not a tourist in life and don't confuse heroism with fame or celebrity." -Marian Wright Edelman