Meet…
Sally Lahmon, an English professor at Sinclair, began her journey as an academic advisor, but soon found teaching was where she belonged.
Why she’s interesting…
Lahmon has a bachelor’s degree in English from Bowling Green State University along with a master’s degree in higher education from Wright State University. Lahmon has worked at Sinclair for 20 years, and found her passion in teaching.
Growing up, Lahmon was surrounded by teachers. She has ten teachers in her family and everyone said she would eventually be one too and, despite her resistance at first, they were right.
She avoided teaching in college and grad school. After grad school she went on to be an academic advisor. After five years of advising and eight years of school, she realized teaching was where she was meant to be.
“It’s such a natural calling for me,” Lahmon said.
In her time here at Sinclair, Lahmon has found someone to look up to and compare herself to as a teacher. Kathy Rowell always told Lahmon to remember one thing if you want to succeed: you have to care.
“I totally get that,” Lahmon said. “I really do care, I don’t think I’m the best writer, I don’t think I’m the smartest professor, but I am a good teacher because I care. That’s me.”
She has proven herself a good teacher, winning the Rouche Excellence in Teaching Award last year. Only one other member of the English department has won the award. Winning this award, Lahmon is ready to settle down and just focus on the classes she has now: English Composition and Children’s Literature.
“I just want to be happy and I want my students to be happy,” Lahmon said, “I feel very rewarded with my work here.”
Working at Sinclair, Lahmon finds one thing to be better than anything else.
“I love the diversity here. I find it extremely vibrant,” Lahmon said. “I get to learn about different cultures from my students and I love that and I don’t know that I want anything different from that.”
The diversity Lahmon has been exposed to at Sinclair has taught her life lessons.
“I have learned to never make assumptions about people. I am always surprised,” Lahmon said.
Lahmon looks at her students as heroes knowing what some of them go through on a regular basis. Lahmon has two kids and is married to her high school sweetheart. She said she enjoys hiking and yoga, as well as spending time with friends and family. Family is a priority for Lahmon as she is actively involved in both her kids’ lives at school and at home. Wherever she goes though, she always looks for something she can help improve.
“I’m always trying to make myself better and make kids happier and better,” Lahmon said.
Celia Lavoie
Reporter