In Her Words

Sandra Caron, Ph.D., Maine Alpha

PROFESSOR OF FAMILY RELATIONS AND HUMAN SEXUALITY

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?

Busy! While no two days are exactly the same, my work centers on teaching, advising, research, and service. I am in my office before 8:00 a.m. catching up on emails and preparing for classes. I have the best of both worlds in that I teach both large lecture classes and small seminars. Throughout the day I am responding to emails and phone calls, or meeting with colleagues or students who drop by. I typically have meetings with graduate students to discuss their research, and meetings with undergraduates to talk about their schedule, project or plans for the future. I often find myself at a committee meeting, and working on some project or report for our program.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

I’m grateful every day for the joy of spending my days with young people filled with energy and passion for learning. “LOOKING AT ME, NO ONE WOULD GUESS …” I am terrified of public speaking. Even though I get up to lecture in front of hundreds of students, I am really quite shy and not as outgoing as others think I am.

WHAT OTHER PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS HAVE YOU PURSUED?

For 20 years I wrote a regular column for the campus newspaper called Sex Matters, and hosted a radio show by the same name. I currently host a national website, CollegeSexTalk.com. I am also a licensed counselor and have had a private practice for many years.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?

My summer place – on an island in the middle of a lake. It’s my little piece of paradise.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

Discover your passion in life. The key to finding happiness is in giving of yourself, listening to others, helping others, sharing hope.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE AN UP-ANDCOMING PROFESSIONAL?

Find a network of friends and colleagues who will support you in your work.

WHO IS SOMEONE THAT HAS CONSISTENTLY INSPIRED YOU?

My students – through their enthusiasm and desire to learn.

“PI BETA PHI HAS TAUGHT ME…”

That women are capable! I got my start in feminism and women’s leadership from my involvement in Pi Phi – it laid the groundwork for so many things in my career and my success.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WORD (AND WHY)?

Choice, because we all need to consider the choices we are making in the moment or on a daily basis – and consider if they are positive and life-enhancing ... in terms of the way we live our lives, how we interact with others, the impact we are having on our earth.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?

One of my favorite quotes is from the Talmud: "If you can save one person, it's as though you've saved the world."