Johngyup Son

Why did you decide to start the Art History study hall?
My first year of teaching, the early alerts would come in constantly for Art History, which is something I’m passionate about. I tried so hard to help my students. I even brought in a specialist to talk about study skills. I realized there needed to be an intervention. I reserved a room and invited all the Art History instructors and students. We’ve been meeting and growing ever since.

It’s very helpful and inspiring before a test. We took a field trip to the Abbey of the Geneseo, a Trappist monastery. I feel it is important to see the artwork and experience a way of life that has existed for centuries. It is important to get a sense about these things because they’re real, they’re alive, they’re right there.

How do you overcome generational differences with your students?
I think it’s a privilege to connect with young people at this point in their lives. It’s pivotal — almost like you’re spinning a roulette wheel that will send them down a course for the rest of their lives. Branching out to the younger generation requires some nontraditional learning.

I learn a lot from my students. It’s as simple as learning slang vocabulary or useful internet tools, like blogs or computer graphics programs, to better relate. This process has encouraged me to star t post ing on Jezebel, a popular culture women’s blog. I love the New York Times and watching video clips. Media in motion is different than reading a newspaper. It really makes you feel connected to all of humanity.

Trying to teach in a way students can find interesting has allowed me to experience the level of connectedness the student generation has grown up with. I work really hard to figure out what’s relevant. I read a lot and try to find important media we can learn from and not be bored by at the same time. I often root around Facebook or YouTube. I typically look for “student today” kind of things online. I might find something really great and applicable completely by chance. The internet is a useful tool to relate to a generation that has grown up connected.

What has been your most memorable experience at RIT?
My most memorable experiences are attending my students’ final critiques. I go and hear them talk about their work, keeping in mind what they’ve gone through to get their work done or their individual struggles with time management or self-doubt. Then, when they really do a good job, I’m always very proud of them. It is exciting to see them succeed at that little juncture in their lives.

Are you currently working on any interesting projects?
Actually, I am. I was invited to teach a graduate level Design History seminar. That’s been fun. I’m organizing the class around the context of American history and popular culture. A lot of preparation goes into making a successful class. I was likely chosen because of my work experience and because I had taken classes when I was a student here.

What do you usually do over the summer?
I do not have my summers off — I work 12 months a year. However, in the summer there is a slower pace to our lives. My husband is off and there’s more time to just hang out and be together. We don’t have children, so we fuss over our collie Tibby and cat Tyvek. We are both members of the Rochester Zen Center (RZC). We practice Zazen regularly at the RZC and participate in various events and gatherings with other members.

Where do you vacation?
I usually take vacations that are active. I have been trekking in Nepal and Malaysia. I also enjoy the Adirondacks. In the summer, my husband and I row competitively, so we make weekend trips to Canada to race. We like to visit interesting small local museums like the Jell-O Museum in Leroy, New York.

What does the future look like for you?
I don’t know where I’ll be in 10 years. I’d like to still be working in higher education. Teaching graphic design would be nice. Maybe I’ll keep things going with my small design practice.