A conversation with Dr. Cordova
What brought you to Mesa State?
I came to Mesa State College because of the size of the
school, opportunities to get to know students in a small
institution, and the outdoor opportunities in the Grand
Junction area.
How many years have you been teaching?
In my teenage years I taught swimming lessons for the American
Red Cross. I have been teaching on the college level since
I was asked in graduate school by a professor to help teach
a class. I loved it and got great responses.
What made you decide to teach Human Performance and
Wellness?
I have always been very active and interested in the entire
health and fitness field and my father was a health teacher.
What's your favorite part of HPWA?
My favorite part of HPWA is the students are interested
in the field and are motivated to be active in the field.
The students here at Mesa State College like their major
a lot and are enthusiastic about it.
What's your personal philosophy on educating students?
The students have to want to learn, be motivated and believe
as professors we can help to instill this in them. As professors
we can help students find motivation to learn. I think that
students need to be challenged. I'm a strong advocate of
practical experiences in and out of the classrooms.
What classes do you teach?
Throughout the year I teach History and Philosophy of Human
Performance and Wellness, Special Populations, Adapted Physical
Education, Water Safety Instructor and new in the fall:
Applications of Physical Fitness and Exercise Prescription.
Would you like to teach any other classes in this
field or any other fields?
If I had the opportunity I would like to teach teacher education
courses and I sometimes miss activities courses.
If you could do anything else what would you want
to do?
I think I have a great job, I love to teach and I like the
students a lot and I like to be around them. I have great
colleagues and I like Mesa State College a lot. I wouldn't
mind teaching in another country on a sabbatical.
Which country would you prefer to teach in?
I would love to teach in Australia or New Zealand.
Written by Jessica Mico-Wentworth, Mass Communications student
