Nostalgia & New Beginnings

It seems all I’ve done lately is feel deeply nostalgic. I suppose that happens when you reach a certain age. You tend to reminisce a lot.

First Day Fall 2025/Graduate School Online

I taught my first class in the fall of 1993. I was working at the Orioles and got a last-minute opportunity to teach a public speaking class at Anne Arundel Community College. I was able to make teaching work with my Orioles responsibilities.

That’s when it all changed.

I loved, loved, loved my job at the Orioles. But after I taught my first class, a different type of passion was ignited. I loved being in the classroom with the students. I taught at several communitiy colleges before finding my way to Stevenson University. We have teachers in our family…my mom, my aunt, my uncle, and down the line. Being a part of enriching someone’s curiosity is a beautiful thing. I loved it. I ended up raising my children and teaching part-time. It was such a blessing.

Then, in 2008, I became full-time faculty at Stevenson University when my kids were in school all day. I got an MFA during that time, too. It was a whirlwind when I look back. I’m not even sure how I managed it, but my husband worked from home while I was taking courses and teaching, and it suited our family and our life perfectly. Even though my kids don’t have distinct memories of me being home with them all the time until they went to school, Anthony and I wouldn’t change any of the decisions we made back then.

After I had my hip replaced in 2021, I felt it was time to retire. But then I was offered the opportunity to teach as an adjunct again in the graduate program online. I couldn’t refuse.

The best part? As of next week, Dr. Leeanne Bell McManus becomes my boss, as she takes over as Director of the Graduate Program. How lucky am I? My dear friend, fellow author, and wonderful colleague and I get to work closely together until I decide to fully retire, whenever that will be. (She will say NEVER).

So yes, I’m a little nostalgic on this first day of classes for Fall 2025. I’ve been at this a long time, and I still feel the pangs of excitement as we begin a new course. Fall is full of new opportunities, new beginnings, and a sense of hope. I’ve always loved the months from September through December. They are rife with possibility.

Best wishes to everyone who teaches, coaches, and guides, and to all the students out there, I hope you are brimming with curiosity.

xx,

Stephanie

P.S. Today also made me realize that I have written a lot of books, but none of them revolve around the beauty of being a teacher. Perhaps something new will swirl in my creative brain in the years to come.

About the author:

STEPHANIE VERNI is the author of THE ONES CLOSEST TO YOU, THE LETTERS IN THE BOOKS; FROM HUMBUG TO HUMBLE: THE TRANSFORMATION OF EBENEZER SCROOGE; BENEATH THE MIMOSA TREE; INN SIGNIFICANT; LITTLE MILESTONES; THE POSTCARD; and ANNA IN TUSCANY. She is also a co-author of the textbook, EVENT PLANNING & MANAGEMENT: COMMUNICATING THEORY & PRACTICE. Currently an adjunct professor at Stevenson University Online, she instructs communication courses for undergraduate and graduate students. She and her husband reside in Severna Park, Maryland, just outside Annapolis, have two children, and a little boat that makes them immensely happy.