THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 16, 1994 TAG: 9410140203
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
AFTER 27 YEARS of teaching in the public school system, biology teacher John Patterson has made a change.
This year he has no lesson plans. This year, he won't have to pull hall duty. And discipline? Enforcing it is a thing of the past.
This year Patterson is teaching full time at Paul D. Camp Community College.
And although the semester has just started, Patterson says it has already proven to be quite a change from teaching in the public school system.
``Teaching college gives you more freedom. However, it's also more challenging. The students are more mature and they come in better prepared. It's a different atmosphere.''
Many of the students he has during evening classes are older adults, Patterson says.
``There seems to be a trend with older students taking classes right now. But then, that's what a college is for - to teach all students.''
Name: John Patterson
What brought you to Suffolk? My career
Hometown: Emporium, Pa.
Birthdate: April 5, 1945
Occupation: Biology instructor at Paul D. Camp Community College.
Marital status: Married
Children: Two boys, Adam and Mark
Favorite movies: ``2010,'' ``Patriot Games'' and ``The Blues Brothers.''
Favorite magazine: Backpacker
A book you wish everyone would read: ``Connections,'' by James Burke. It ties science's discoveries of the past to our understanding of science today.
Favorite night out on the town: Going out to eat with my family.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Olive Garden and Port Authur's.
Favorite food and drink: Anything Chinese, and ginger ale.
Few people know . . . that I listen to classical music.
What's the best thing about yourself? My humor
Worst habit: Staying up late
First thing in the morning: I drink a cup of coffee and read the paper.
Hobbies: Backpacking, cycling, fishing and rock climbing.
Ideal vacation: Fishing on the Outer Banks or camping in the mountains.
Pet peeve: People who can't get their act together.
First job: Paper boy
Worst job: Working in the steel mills of Pennsylvania.
Of what achievements are you most proud? After 27 years of teaching, I've helped to educate more than 2,300 students.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``Devoted husband, loving father and educator.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
KEYWORDS: INTERVIEW PROFILE
by CNB