Teachers–They’re Just Like Us!

Many of us students on campus have held minimum wage jobs, though we probably aspire for greater things. At some point, when you’re not sure which direction to take, or you just really need some money, you may end up taking whatever job is available. Or maybe there is a job that seems to be right up your alley, and you go for it. Many of our teachers have had the same experience.

If you’ve ever wondered what some of the jobs your teachers may have held before “making it big” here at PLNU, then today is your lucky day.

Professor Katie Manning: Receptionist, Barista, Writer and Editor, and Librarian

Professor Manning worked a variety of jobs, beginning as a service drive receptionist at a car dealership while she was in high school. While attending PLNU, she worked a few different jobs including working at Point Break Café, Ryan Library, Writers’ Studio tutor, and a TA and grader. While in grad school, she worked as a Starbucks barista, a freelance writer and editor, and as a Youth Information Specialist at the county library. She then became a full-time teacher of literature and writing at PLNU.

Professor Ann Davis: Lifeguarding, Water Safety Instructor, Tennis Coach, Flight Attendant

Professor Davis had a handful of diverse jobs before working at PLNU, including lifeguarding, water safety instruction, tennis coaching, and flight attending. “After I had taught a couple years out of college, I became a flight attendant. I flew Internationally for TWA (Trans World Airline) and lived in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.”

Professor Sevenbergen: Worked with Rhesus Macaque Monkeys

Professor Sevenbergen from the biology department describes the role in one of her former jobs as a “monkey trainer.” Salk Institute was performing experiments on how the brain processes visual cues and our very own Professor Sevenbergen worked with these small animals.

Professor Raser: Worked at SeaWorld and Human Resources at Petco

Professor Raser works in the communications department here at PLNU. Before becoming a full-time teacher, Professor Raser had a job similar to some current PLNU students: working at SeaWorld. She worked with the animals, assisting with animal counseling. She then continued to work a human resources position in corporate Petco.

Professor Senyo Adjibolosoo: Fisher

Before becoming a teacher of economics at PLNU, Professor Senyo Adjibolosoo was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa.

“I was just a Ghanaian Village Fisherman from Africa. As such, my job prior to becoming a professor was fishing.”

He then pursued his doctoral degree in economics and eventually became a full-time professor at PLNU.

Professor Daichendt: Museum Curator

Professor Daichendt is the Dean of Arts and Humanities here at PLNU. Before becoming a professor, he worked as a museum curator.

Professor Brivio: FedEx, Investment company, worked at financial aid at PLNU

Professor Brivio held many different jobs before teaching at PLNU. She worked at FedEx in the position of manager, worked with an investment company, and eventually worked in the financial aid office here on campus. Professor Brivio did not begin teaching until after she returned to college at the age of 39.