The bell rings, school’s out, and now it’s time for the teacher to become the student and he’s had plenty of practice at it through the years.
Christopher Girman, 36, is a seventh-grade Texas history teacher in his last semester of obtaining a Master’s of Fine Arts in creative writing (non-fiction) degree at The University of Texas-Pan American.
Originally from Florida, where he graduated as valedictorian of his senior class, Girman went to Washington, D.C. to receive his undergraduate degree in international affairs in 1995. He then moved to Austin to study and earn a law degree from The University of Texas in 1999. For the next five years, Girman practiced immigration law in the Rio Grande Valley. He then decided to go back to “school” by becoming a teacher while attending UTPA as a graduate student.
One may ask, “Why would a person with so much education already, want to go back to school for another degree?” Girman said, “It’s because I have lack of responsibility, but in a good way.”
He explains that since he has no commitments or owes anyone anything, he is able to pursue a love for learning.
“It is addicting for me when I pick up a scholarly article because I cannot put it down until I have read the whole thing,” Girman noted.
He enjoys learning new concepts and ideas and feels that if he stays in one profession too long, he will miss the opportunity to explore his potential.
Awards/Honors:
National Merit Scholar, 1991-1995; Tutoring Award, 1998; Outstanding Attorney in Law School 1999; ‘Flare Competition’ Sixth-Street Bartender Competition 1999.
What is your thesis about?
Classroom pedagogy and how the teaching experience affects both the teacher and the students in the classroom environment.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be applying for Ph.D. programs in creative writing, build my resumes, apply for prosecution law positions, apply to work in a publishing house or as a free-lance writer. Depending on where and what position I’m accepted into, will determine what I will do in a few months.
What advice do you have for college-bound students?
Really spend time to get to know your classmates, get involved in school activities or groups because you build life-long friends and open up doors for future contacts in the community. Try to take advantage of study abroad programs to experience and learn new cultures and ideas. I would never have known the RGV was such a great place unless I had left to study over here. Plus you learn to appreciate your hometown and the United States.
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