Getting to know Stephanie Young

Dr. Stephanie Young, assistant professor of communication studies, has a passion for social justice. She is the current chair and co-program planner for the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity caucus and is involved in numerous other professional organizations including the National Communication Association, the Central States Communication Association and the Organization for the Study of Communication, Language and Gender. She co-founded the Tri-State Area Safe Zone Initiative, which provides education about issues concerning lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals

Young infuses her communication classes with historical and contemporary issues concerning race, gender and sexuality. "I believe, as educators, we need to create a space for open dialogue in the classroom," she said. "Having these conversations, students can develop a consciousness about the world around them and become critical thinkers, engaged citizens and hopefully better human beings."

Last semester she won the USI Foundation Outstanding Teaching by New Faculty Award. Let's find out what makes this award winning professor tick.

How long have you been at USI?

I came here in fall 2009. I started out as a three-year contract assistant professor and now I'm on the tenure track.

Can you share a favorite teaching moment?

There are lots of really good moments in my classes. One of the proudest moments in the classroom was in public speaking. I had a student who had really high speech apprehension; to the point of walking out of the classroom during her first speech. I met a few times to work with her one on one, and it was great to see her become confident and be able to stand up and speak to her peers. One of the major speeches was a ceremonial speech, and most of the students were practicing for a wedding toast or birthday or anniversary speech, and she did an Ode to Spring. I knew then she had come a long way. For me, as a professor, I just about cried. It was amazing. That, for me, was one of those teaching moments that's just powerful - to see her overcome her speech anxiety.

If you weren't teaching communications studies, what would you teach?

Probably English literature with themes of feminism or queer studies or film courses. My dad's a retired English professor.

Are you a film buff?

I am - a lot of television and film. I tend to enjoy more quirky, character-driven independent films and foreign films. I like films that make me feel something.

When did you know you wanted to teach?

My mom said when I was really little I used to line up my stuffed animals and pretend to be a teacher, because I loved school so much. My mom says she thought I'd end up being a professor just like my dad.

I definitely knew by the time I was a sophomore at Purdue University. I realized  I enjoyed being on the other side. My freshman and sophomore years I got a chance to be a teaching assistant for several professors and, as an honor student, I got a chance to teach biology labs even though that wasn't my area of expertise. So during my freshman/sophomore years I got a taste of teaching and really enjoyed it.

What do you find most challenging about your job?

Time management. I want to do it all, all the time. I think time management is the most challenging because there's not enough hours in the day to do everything. I have to learn to say "Ok, I've got to pace myself. I've got to have x amount of time to grade papers, x amount of time to do research and x amount of time to prepare for class.

What's your favorite course to teach and why?

The LGBT Discourse class, because the students choose to be in that class. It's not a required course.  They want to learn more about LGBT issues. I also know what we're discussing has an impact on everyday experiences for so many individuals. It's different every time you teach it because so much change is going on.

What compliment do you most like to hear?

When I get my teaching evaluations, I always get a little nervous. The number one thing I love to hear is "Dr. Young is enthusiastic and passionate about the course, the materials and the readings." To know my students appreciate the fact I'm enthusiastic, passionate and energized is my favorite compliment.

What is one thing that should be taught in school that isn't already?

I'm sure it's taught, but I've seen the decline in public speaking. Even though we have that course available here, students aren't always prepared for class because they haven't had the opportunity or practice in middle school or high school. It's something that needs to be emphasized more at an earlier age, because then, when they get to the college level, there's less anxiety because they've been doing it for a while.

Public speaking provides basic skill sets they're going to need forever - to be able to interact with individuals in a public space and speak clearly and concisely to a group of individuals. I'm concerned about the decline of public speaking in schools. It used to be really central to a liberal arts education.

If the 6-year-old you were here right now, what would you say to her?

I'd probably tell her to enjoy those moments with the people you love. Recognize that people come and go in your life and appreciate time you spend with those individuals. And, just because they may not be in your life in a year, five years or 10 years later, it doesn't take away from the experiences you share. Spend time really living and experiencing with others.

How would your best friend describe you?

My best friends would probably say I'm a workaholic, even though I don't think I am. Maybe, "She works hard and she plays hard. She's hard working and tenacious."

What cheers you up?

Laughter. Watching television that's funny cheers me up, or spending time with people and laughing together. Children laughing - that complete utter joy, free joy.