Know Your Profs is an ongoing series to help you get to know the instructors at Camosun College. Every issue we ask a different instructor at Camosun the same 10 questions.
Is there an instructor you want to see profiled? Drop us a line and let us know!
This issue we caught up with Camosun College business instructor Odette Coccola to talk about the practical applications of law, good wines, and something called small-car syndrome.
1: What do you teach and how long have you been a teacher at Camosun?
I started teaching part-time in 2007 and then full-time in January 2013. I am Chair of Applied Business Technology and teach in the Legal Office Assistant Program. I also teach Business Law and Employment Law in Business, and Administrative Law in the Public Administration program.
2: What do you personally get out of teaching?
After practicing law in Victoria for many years, I decided to try something different. I had never taught before, so I was pretty nervous at first, and the interaction with my first group of students fixed that. I enjoy being able to get students to expand their knowledge of law and think about it in their everyday interactions. I appreciate it when students realize that law can be fun and that it does make a difference in their school and personal lives.
3: What’s one thing you wish your students knew about you?
They know as much as I want them to know: I like red wine and Smarties. Just kidding; I want them to know that they really can ask me anything, on- or off-topic, within reason.
4: What’s one thing you wish they didn’t know about you?
Can’t answer that, as it would defeat the purpose of secrecy.
5: What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you as a teacher here?
Lots of good things. The best is probably the cards and emails I get from students after they’ve taken a law class, telling me how they used the law in their everyday personal situations.
6: What’s the worst thing that’s happened to you as a teacher here?
Nothing that could be described as worst; all good. Camosun is a great place to work.
7: What do you see in the future of postsecondary education?
Opportunity, accessibility, and flexibility for all learners to be able to take what courses and programs they want and when they want, with more of an emphasis on practical application of what students are studying.
8: What do you do to relax on the weekends?
Define “weekend.” I spend time with family and friends and Jese, my black Lab. I love to travel and spend time at my cabin in Powell River. I’ve also been known to binge-watch TV series.
9: What’s your favourite meal?
Anything done on the barbeque, accompanied by a nice bottle of Malbec and Corsican cheese for dessert.
10: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Small-car syndrome. I have a small car and get ticked when trucks and vans park in spaces clearly marked “small car.”