It is hard to believe that fifteen years have passed since I embarked on my teaching journey. I vividly remember my life in 2011, working in financial aid, when my boss, colleague, and friend, Albert Prado, encouraged me to pursue teaching.
Albert and I go way back—he was my first manager in the student bookstore during my college days. His support and encouragement came at a pivotal moment, shortly after I had gotten married in October 2010. It felt as though God opened the door for me as I spoke with the campus dean, Glenn Dunki-Jacobs, who gave me my first opportunity to teach at Mt. Sierra College in Monrovia, California.
Mentors and Influences
A little background on Glenn—known to everyone as DJ—he is an adjunct instructor at Cabrillo College and has been deeply involved in computer and technology-based education since 1998. DJ has held various roles, including professor and department chair, and has designed and taught courses in C++ programming, database design, and CompTIA certification. He even developed an Information Security degree program aligned with NSA guidelines and has a history in the tech industry, having been a founding member of a company that designed graphics hardware and software applications in the late 1980s.
Challenges and Milestones at Mt. Sierra College
Sadly, Mt. Sierra College closed permanently in 2019 due to financial difficulties. That period was incredibly difficult as many colleagues lost their jobs, and I deeply cherished my time teaching students in the business program. I will never forget my very first class: Econ 101, introductory economics.
With no prior teaching experience—other than having been a student—I struggled to prepare a curriculum and only managed to teach for one hour out of a four-hour class. I was young, naïve, and had little guidance, but I was trusted with the autonomy to manage and teach my class.
Eventually, I found my footing, created my curriculum, and truly began my teaching career—a journey that continues today, albeit in different environments. Now, I mostly teach life skills to medical assisting students at a vocational school. Those early years were formative and challenging as I taught a wide range of subjects, from economics and critical thinking to marketing, finance, and strategic management—many of which were entirely new and complex to me.
Support Along the Way
Throughout my teaching journey, I have been blessed with support from remarkable colleagues. One such person was fellow instructor Randy Slade, who sadly passed away in 2022. Randy was an extraordinary and kind individual who offered me invaluable resources and guidance, often going out of his way to help me. I fondly remember him driving his red Miata and feel grateful for his mentorship.
The administration at Mt. Sierra College also showed great kindness. In particular, education director Valerie Shay played a crucial role in my career. When the college closed, she invited me to apply at my current school, referring me and ensuring I could continue teaching after 2019. I am deeply appreciative for this opportunity, as teaching has not only allowed me to provide for my family but has, in many ways, kept me going.
The Impact of Teaching
Teaching has profoundly changed me over the years, shaped by the evolving needs and backgrounds of my students. I have taught both bachelor’s degree candidates and certificate-seeking students. Despite the differences, my passion for teaching and sharing knowledge remains strong, though sometimes I feel that students today are less engaged in my classes.
Balancing two professional lives—my day job and my teaching—has often left me feeling exhausted, with days stretching from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at work and evening classes from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Thursday.
I could not have made it this far alone. I am grateful to God and to the many individuals who have supported me, including another campus dean, Tim Botengan. Tim showed great kindness and patience, going out of his way to offer me courses that were both professionally rewarding and financially beneficial.
Tim Botengan has a strong background in business and technology and has served Barstow Community College since August 2016, most recently as Interim Dean of Instruction, Academic Support, and Online Learning. Before Barstow, he was Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for Mt. Sierra College, where he also managed online education and instructional design. He holds a bachelor’s in computer information technology from Mt. Sierra College and a master’s in educational leadership and training from Trident University.
Looking Ahead
I am uncertain about what the future holds for my teaching career. One of my dreams is to work at a community college, even for a short time, to gain new experiences. For now, I am content teaching from home in my virtual classroom, grateful for the journey that has brought me here and all those who have supported me along the way.
Joe Meyers Adventures 