Academic Inspiration ft. Dr. Innes

Welcome back from Thanksgiving break! I know that, for most of us, this time off for the holidays was something we needed—to say the least. I hope that Thanksgiving was filled with great food, wonderful company, and much gratitude for the many blessings in our lives. 

Now, as we go back to the city, we hope to be a resource for all things academic for those in need of some motivation. As we push to the end of the semester, we thought it would be best to hear from our very own faculty to academically inspire us to push through until Finals Week. To start off, I asked Dr. Innes, a Professor of Politics, a series of questions that we’re probably all wondering. 

• What do you like to talk about during office hours? Any favorite topics pertaining to what you teach or outside of it?

I like to start by getting to know the student, the student’s larger world, background and hopes for the future. It starts with, “Where are you from?”

• What was your favorite part of your college experience (specifically undergrad)?

Aside from my courses, I enjoyed staying up until 2 in the morning hashing out what we thought were big questions with my suitemates who were in different programs and even different schools.

• What book, podcast, film, etc. would you recommend for us students?

C.S. Lewis’s novel, That Hideous Strength, distills his thoughts on our modern predicament into fictional form. Francis Ford Coppola’s film classic, The Godfather (I & II), is just something you have to see if you’re going to get through any serious conversation.

We hope these answers inspire you to get to know your professor during office hours if you haven’t already. We hope that their college experience can give you inspiration to dive into deep conversations within your community. Lastly, we hope that amidst finishing off the semester, you find moments of rest in your own favorite holiday films and your comfort reads.