Faculty Spotlight - Rhonda Hamburg
What do you teach at EvCC?
I am an instructor in the Health Sciences Department and Program Director for the Medical Assisting Program. I work with students pursuing careers in healthcare.
Tell us a little about your professional background.
I am a Certified Medical Assistant with the AAMA and Phlebotomy Tech with the ASCP.
I continue to work per-diem as a Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist to stay connected with the community and to remain relevant in my field of practice. Being active in the industry benefits my students, allowing me to implement the most current and best practices in the classroom.
Why did you choose EvCC?
I began teaching in 2014 after a former instructor reached out and asked if I would consider teaching a communication class. After signing on as an adjunct faculty member, I discovered a passion for teaching. I joined Everett Community College as a tenure track faculty in September of 2015. EvCC's reputation is one of the highest in the Seattle area. Our exceptional students, faculty, staff, and leadership inspire me to be the best teacher I can be. I feel lucky to be a part of such a mission-driven institution.
How has the pandemic affected you? How are you doing?
This pandemic has impacted all of us in many ways. Before COVID, my life was filled with day to day interactions with students, colleagues, family, and friends. Today all my communication and interactions are through email, Zoom conference, and text, as I now work mostly from home. It's been trying times; rewriting curriculum which had been developed for face-to-face classes has stretched me and tested my teaching skill sets. My husband says he misses me more than when I worked and commuted daily to Everett. He jokes he needs to schedule a Zoom meeting just to see me (LOL). I, like many of us, miss the day to day contact with family, friends, and colleagues, but I feel fortunate to have my health and the health of my loved ones.
How have you adapted your curriculum and teaching methods to support students who are learning from home?
I teach mainly lab-based courses, which has proven to be complicated and challenging to move onto an online platform. With the help and collaboration of our Health Sciences team, we have developed and modified curriculum using the latest technology to support student success. One of the platforms I've found indispensable is Zoom. It allows me to touch base with my students each week and has proven to be necessary for connection, which I believe to be essential as an instructor. I've enjoyed getting to know my students in their environment. I think in many ways, COVID has helped me to connect with them in a way I hadn't been able to before. Many of the changes made this quarter provided me with the opportunity for personal and professional growth. I'm going to use this new knowledge to support my students and elevate the quality of future healthcare providers.
What advice do you have for students who are taking online or livestream classes for the first time?
I would encourage students not to be afraid to ask for help. There is a real learning curve when it comes to technology and learning in an online environment. Your instructors are here to support, encourage, and inspire you to reach your academic goals.
What do you like to do for fun?
On a personal note, I live on a small working farm in Mount Vernon; this is my absolute favorite place to be. I enjoy gardening and running. I've completed two half marathons and will be running another this summer (fingers crossed). My husband and I share a beautiful blended family of six. Our adult children range from 25 to 36-years-old. We currently have three grandchildren, with our third being born during the pandemic.
What is your favorite snack?
French fries!!!!! I realize they're not a snack, but they are in my house.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I love being an instructor. I feel called to this career and believe I'm fulfilling my life's purpose. Having the ability to help students become successful in reaching their academic and professional goals is the ultimate reward.