Highlight of a Westside Tech Faculty Member
Name
Laura Deveau-Diem
Campus Location
Westside Tech
How many years have you been at OCPS CTE?
This is my 11th year teaching with OCPS and I still love it!
Childhood Dream Job:
I remember wanting to be a nurse or a teacher. I guess I strayed a little, but teaching pharmacy is certainly close and a great way to combine the two.
Previous jobs or career path (if any)
I graduated from a medical assistant program at a technical center. I discovered pharmacy quite by accident in a hospital job interview. I fell in love with pharmacy and haven't veered off that course since.
What do you like most about working at OCPS CTE?
My students are the thing I love most about my job. Each and every student 'colors' my life in a different way. Nothing is more rewarding than a former student visiting or calling with good news. You are linked forever with your students when you teach in CTE. My students are the 'rainbow' in my career.
What’s something "unexpected" that you discovered during your time at OCPS CTE?
When I started teaching, I did not realize that I would be an avenue of change for so many people. It took many years to discover that I was, in fact, changing lives by teaching a skill I love and teaching them to love it as well. I expected to 'teach' but I never expected to change lives. I now realize that this is exactly what CTE has the power to do.
How do you stay on the cutting edge of your field?
One of the great things about pharmacy is that it is forever changing; it's always old, yet always new. I attend many educational seminars and learn new things every time. I also learn a great deal from my former students when they visit. They are always excited to share new trends and happenings in the field. Interestingly, it's the student who teaches the teacher in this case.
What are your hobbies or what do you do for fun?
I enjoy scrapbooking and spending time with the subjects of my scrapbooks; my awesome and adorable grandsons. My husband John (also an OCPS pharmacy teacher) and I like to search for pharmacy antiques and interesting things to make our classrooms exciting and interesting.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Well, I keep asking my students if I can retire, but i don't think that's going to happen anytime soon. My goal is to continue to share my passion for pharmacy with as many willing students I can to secure medication and patient safety for all of us. In five years, I hope to be in my classroom with a new group of students who are as excited to learn as all my previous students. And so I would say, OK, let's get started!
Source of Inspiration
My inspiration comes from my family, friends, former patients, and my students who will carry on my passion and love for pharmacy and patient safety. Inspiration is what drives you to get up every day and keep going. It's what creates interest in a day. If you love what you do, your inspiration is in your heart and soul.
Words of Wisdom
“If you want to change who you are, then change what you do. Love what you do and who you are and the rest is easy.”
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