Written by Sapphire King 

It may no longer be Women’s History Month, but a woman’s encouragement or inspiration can positively impact lives year-round! After all, in a world that constantly underestimates and tries to undermine women, the ladies in our lives absolutely deserve plenty of recognition and appreciation, especially if they are known for their solid resilience, vivid creativity, passionate determination, and/or genuinely kind hearts. That said, one kindhearted professor here at Carlow University that I am honored to interview is Prof. Alexa Piacquadio, whose class I took last fall. During that semester, I fell on some rather hard times, but because of her understanding nature, I managed to feasibly work things out to ultimately still do well in her class. It is for this reason that I chose her as my interviewee. Below, readers shall find that our interview is about such topics as role models and being a career woman! 

1.     What inspired you to get involved in life and/or a career as a college professor?  
Professor P.: “I’ve always been fascinated by human behavior and loved my criminology and psychology courses in college. I’ve also always wanted to be a teacher in some capacity (I’d even “play teacher” when I was younger by teaching my younger sister what I’d been learning in school, like multiplication tables). From the moment I applied to graduate school, I knew that my ultimate goal was to be a social science professor. I love working with students and I love that I am always learning from students and colleagues.” 

2.     Were there any women role models who helped guide you in your academic career? What were they like, and why were they so impactful?  
Professor P.: “There have been many women role models in my field that have impacted and inspired me. One in particular, Dr. Bitna Kim, was my advisor for a few years. She is dedicated, extremely intelligent, and has high expectations for her students. Her passion for research inspired my own love of research, and her high expectations allowed me to challenge myself to become a better student.” 

3.     What challenges have you faced in your work, and how have you overcome them? 
Professor P.: “My biggest challenge up to this point was work/life balance and management. It was tough at times to manage dissertation, teaching, and personal responsibilities. Now that I’ve completed my dissertation, I am excited to dedicate more time to advancing my pedagogical knowledge and having more time for fun in my life.” 

4.     How do you navigate ethical dilemmas or conflicts of interest in your profession?
Professor P.: “I try to do everything by the book. I am careful about navigating ethical dilemmas and always first check for policies outlined by the university. If it is a less formal conflict of interest, I am always upfront about any biases I am aware of having due to my perspective or experiences. I feel that honesty is always the best policy.” 

5.     In your opinion, what are important characteristics in role models for young women? 
Professor P.: “I believe that important characteristics in role models for young women include confidence, dedication, kindness, resilience, honesty, and self-respect.” 

6.     Is there any advice you would give young women pursuing their academic career and dreams?  
Professor P.: “The best advice I could give is to just keep at it. There will be times when you feel completely overwhelmed and confused. If you keep pushing and working, you will overcome it. The stress comes in waves in my experience.” 

BONUS QUESTION: Is there anything you would like to tell me or add, regarding this interview, that I did not ask?  
Professor P.: “Just want to say thank you for asking me these questions!” 

Firstly, you’re welcome, Prof. P.! I would like to thank you also for sharing your answers and allowing me—and the rest of the Carlow Chronicle—to delve into a piece of your life and learn a little bit about you in this manner. (And I hear you on having more time for fun. In today’s turbulent world, I believe we could all benefit from having more fun.)  

Secondly, readers, I’m hoping and betting that no matter what month or holiday it is, there are some encouraging takeaways here for many of you. Remember, it doesn’t have to be Women’s History Month (or even the International Day of the Girl!) for anyone to give ladies the acclaim we/they deserve.