 "Photo: Varughan Chapanian | Valley Star")
Whether helping students or the community, according to Professor James Russell, the more someone gives the more it's never enough. Besides helping students, he also helps the troubled youth in the community. Russell has also participated in the Dinners Club that worked with juvenile gangs in South Central, LA.
Russell, who has been a teacher since 1982 after receiving his degree in political science from Northeastern University, has been teaching developmental communications here at Valley College since 2000.
"Community college students become more successful than four-year university students because they have to work twice as hard," said Russell. Success with his students is what makes it worthwhile for a man that devotes so much of his time when he doesn't need to.
While he was in Boston, he ran a tutoring summer institute and reading program. He emphasizes that students are the backbone of society.
"Strict … but he is a great teacher," said Valley student Hamed Karimi.
Russell's method is that of a boss, he knows when to be serious and when to be humorous. His lively personality is sure to attract your attention.
With him shrugging his shoulders and staring at a student that should know that answer or in a high-pitched voice saying, "Not even close," when someone tries to interpret the poem he made them read. But he also makes sure to keep them at ease, either by joking about life situations or about a personal experience he's had. The intimidation fades away and comfort sets in.
"At first it's a little intimidating but it changes," said Valley student Shawnee Johnson.
Unlike other teachers, Russell gives out that personal connection to his students as he tries hard to help them achieve their goals. He is perhaps one of those teachers that students will never forget.
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