VoFLC: Ruth Alminas

I still cannot believe my luck in winding up here at FLC. When I was a little girl, my family took a road trip around Colorado, and Durango was one of our destinations. I fell in love with this place at first sight. I was convinced that there was something magical about the San Juan Mountains and the small city at their feet. I confidently announced to my parents that I would live in Durango when I grew up.

Many years later, in graduate school, I spent a lot of time thinking about the kind of job I wanted to find. I hoped to live somewhere with mountains and sunshine. I wanted to have the ability to hike regularly without a long drive to get there. I learned that I loved being in the classroom learning from my students' diverse perspectives and lived experiences, so I wanted to work for a school that prioritized teaching. I wanted to work in a place that values community, where I could work with colleagues I respect toward a mission I care about. It became a running joke with my grad school cohort that the only place that would fulfill all my criteria would be Fort Lewis College, but I never imagined that I would be lucky enough to end up here!

The best thing about working at FLC is the opportunity to form meaningful connections with students, support them as they navigate challenges, and cheer them on as they accomplish great things. My favorite days on campus are Commencement days, especially when we can hold Commencement outside. There are few things more wonderful than sitting in the sunshine on this beautiful campus and hearing the crowd cheer as I watch the students I have come to know and respect cross that stage. It is exciting to witness their joy, meet their proud family and friends, and wish them well as they start their next journey. Initially, I thought it was a sad day because I had to say goodbye to students I had come to care about, but now that I have been here for a while and maintained contact (even formed friendships) with quite a few of my incredible former students I see Commencement days as my favorite days on campus.