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NTCC Professor John Russo with student Maria Valdelamar who was named Outstanding History Student this semester and Professor Russo’s ever-present and popular seeing-eye dog.
Every semester the fulltime and associate faculty in NTCC’s Division of Humanities and Social Sciences can select an outstanding student, who is exceptional in some way. This semester, History Professor John Russo nominated Maria Valdelamar.
Professor Russo explained, “She dropped out of high school in her tenth grade year. Now, a wife and mother of three kids, she is graduating from NTCC in May! She completed American History 1301 and will finish American History 1302 at the end of this semester. English is her second language, but Maria has really applied herself. She takes the initiative and requests constructive feedback to improve her understanding of the material and produce quality assignments. She attended all class sessions punctually and is determined to succeed! She will transfer to A&M Commerce and work toward a Bachelor and later Masters degrees in counseling.”
Upon learning of her award, Maria Valdelamar commented, “When I first learned about my nomination as an outstanding student, I was excited and proud! It is nice to know that my hard work and effort is recognized. When I saw my degree plan for the first time, I was not excited that I had to take a history course. I have never really enjoyed history. I can say I do not regret taking history with Professor Russo. He is an amazing professor. He makes class very fun and interesting. I took two courses with Professor Russo and I learned a lot. I can say NTCC is lucky to have a professor that goes above and beyond for his students. He was always available during office hours. He is a professor that teaches his material well. I am honored to be recognized and grateful to be the recipient of this nomination.” Other students feel much
Other students feel much the same way as Maria about Professor Russo. One student recently sent an email to him stating, “Hey, Mr. Russo, I just wanted to tell you when I first started this class last semester in 1301 I didn’t really care about history, and the way you teach it made me start loving history. I plan on going (on) to be a baseball coach and teach, and I didn’t know what I wanted to teach, but now I figured out I want to teach history and teach it just like you……….. I love the way you teach everything. In high school, history was very boring but now I love it! Thank you.”
Another former student also agrees with Maria about Professor Russo’s teaching. “I had an excellent American History professor in college and just took the course to refresh my learning skills. I have rarely seen a professor so organized, in-tuned to his students, creative, caring and well prepared to teach and engage students. He is a incredible credit to the NTCC teaching staff.”
This is a wonderful success story for Maria Valdelamar and a well-earned award to carry her forward in her future endeavors.