Why UW-Whitewater

ELENA BERTOZZI

I came late to academia. Before deciding to return to school to get my master's and doctorate, I traveled extensively on three continents, worked a wide variety of jobs, and had two children.

It took me a long time to figure out what kind of work could hold my interest, truly challenge me, and allow me to participate in a process that was meaningful and produced something of which I could be proud.

Teaching affords me the opportunity to do all of these things. I teach difficult material. Students who come and study with me have to really commit to investing time and effort in order to be able to design, construct and test compelling interactive environments. Many are not very sure of themselves or their abilities. It is incredibly rewarding to be able to communicate the intellectual and practical tools that make it possible for students to imagine creative solutions to problems and then actually build them. If I am lucky, I also manage to communicate a sense that the world is wide and inclusive of a whole myriad perspectives. If they are willing to take risks, step out of their comfort zones and try new things, the rewards are great.

As students develop skills and move out into the world, the tools we use allow us to keep in touch, talk about new projects and share problems we are trying to solve. I know they are fledged when they come back and help me solve a problem or teach me a better way to do something. Fortunately, this happens all the time and it demonstrates to me that the process is working.

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