Robin Terrell
Medical Assisting Instructor
What inspired you to be a university professor?
I am actually an instructor in the College of Technology. I would have to
say that the influence I had from my instructors when I went through the
Medical Assisting Program gave me the incentive and enthusiasm to teach
the skills of the program.
Why teach in a university setting?
I find working in a university setting is great - I get the opportunity to teach
adults who are very excited to begin their educational pursuits and enjoy
watching their enthusiasm when they understand the concepts and skills
we teach in our program.
If you weren't a university professor what do you think you would be doing?
If I were not working as an instructor at Idaho State University, I would
definitely be working in a clinical setting. If I can't work with students and
teach them to be medical assistants, I would like to be in the clinical setting
helping patients to be more in control of their health.
What has teaching taught you about yourself?
Teaching has taught me that even as an instructor, I am always learning and
that is very exciting to me. Whether it is to prepare for a lesson or taking
another class for myself, I love the idea that I will always enjoy learning.
What is the most difficult aspect of teaching?
I think that online classes are difficult. They take away the personal aspect
where an instructor and student can interact in the learning process. I
understand web classes have come a long way, but sometimes concepts get
lost in cyberspace, so to speak.
What inspired you to enter higher education?
I came to the College of Technology at a later time in my life and I loved
that even as a non-traditional student, I was accepted and could excel.
In knowing that all are welcome in higher education regardless, was very
inspiring to me because I knew I could accomplish anything, even at my
age. I want to continue that same sentiment.
Is there an identifying moment where you knew you had a pronounced positive impact upon a student?
I have just finished my first year as an instructor. Still, as I watched my
students walk across the stage in December to receive their diplomas, see
the excitement in their eyes, I was touched to know that I was a part of
what made that happen for them.
What career/life messages do you try to impart upon your students?
I try to make sure that my students understand that life happens and when
they are working with the public, especially in the medical field, that things
good and bad happen all the time. Expect the unexpected, understand that
people hurt, and above all, their compassion and competency will ensure
their patients are well taken care of and their career will be what they have
strived for.
What do you want students to take from their ISU educational experience?
I would like them to take away good experiences that show them that
learning doesn't stop once they leave ISU, but will continue their entire
lives and I would encourage them to be a positive influence on others
looking at educational avenues and careers.