Portfolio and Calculations Classes, Fall/Winter 2005/06

A lovely card from my 'students'  (actually peers!) from my time as Adjunct Faculty for the Interior Design program at BYU-Idaho.


Can I just say that I am SO grateful for my professors who made this opportunity possible!  I was 'stuck' in Idaho for another year while Jeff finished up his degree.  I needed employment and this was just an amazing opportunity.  Since I only taught two classes, it didn't take up much of my time, so I also worked as a framer at Michaels in Idaho Falls, also an eye-opening and useful experience, my first job in a 'corporate' environment.  But back to the Adjunct position, I loved every minute.  Wendy Harris was the teacher who usually taught Calculations, she had everything organized so well, I basically just had to review the material beforehand to understand what I would cover, then prepare a few slides for the projector.  The students were AMAZING, I don't remember any of them having issues with the content, although there were a few that chose to not attend classes or turn in their assignments.  I hated giving failing grades but honestly it was very straightforward.  Come to class and do the work, you passed, if not, you failed.  The Porfolio class was even easier, all I had to do was show up and help the students with any questions they might have.  The attendance was not kept, it was almost like what I did before I graduated as a tutor.  You just sit at the front of the class and be available.  A few times I arranged some special teaching.  I brought in my first mentor, Lisa Butikofer from LB Designs in Idaho Falls.  She did a fantastic class on starting a business.  I remember walking ALL the way across campus from our 'married housing' at Rockland to the Craig building, bundled up in my winter gear but trying to be dressed professionally.  I never wore jeans or anything sloppy in my position.  I even wore HEELS for crying out loud!  Anyway, it was fantastic, every moment.  I loved my time at BYU-Idaho as a student and perhaps even more so as a part-time faculty.  I would go back and do that as a profession in a heart beat if I had the opportunity to do so, even in freezing, boring Idaho!

Letter from Grandpa Val

Dear A.J. Pack Co. (4-3-06)

I gathered another idea:  Since my offer may be a detour in your pursuit, If you find me some 3 months help, I'd pay you as my agent, 10% of what this employee (you acquire) costs me.  Job description would be: General assistant in a trampoline business.  $15.00 per hour to start, for willingness to learn and do.  Operation skills (limited) with (general service) wrench- hammer- saw- broom- welder - sewing machine - delivery - sales- shipping.  I feel that you feel that this job is something like 65% detour 30% treading water, and 5% opportunity.  So don't let even Grandpa change you direction if it is as I've guessed above.

With Love, Grandpa


Editorial Note:  I am now entering this letter in January 2015.  I lost my dear grandpa almost one year ago.  Re-reading it makes me remember how he sat me down in his shop, during a visit shortly before Jeff would graduate.  He wanted us to move out to Caldwell and help him run things, which I'm pretty sure at the time had no appeal whatsoever to me.  Part of me wishes that I had gone just to be with him, to learn from him.  Another part of me tells me I did the right thing for me and Jeff, which was to start 'real' careers.  Our 'real' careers didn't lead us very far very fast so I don't know.  Every decision we make can lead to totally different path so I will never know where that path would have led.  But I am glad that I had a grandpa who loved me enough to make me the offer then let me refuse.  He was a very generous if stubborn man.  Loved him then, love him now.  I hope I never forget.

Another letter from Grandpa, date not known, but around the same time:

[In calligraphy]  Dear Andrea Just a word to say "Hello" so "Hello".
I sent you a deal to draw up the other day and I was afraid it might be put on a back burner if I didn't sent some $.  Let me know at the shop- Grandma might have questions, and when things are only in the possibility stage, it is easy to be put in the tight corner of "why"?  I'm on borrowed time so I'm not supposed to think - dream - or plan.

Love, Grandpa Val