Our second spotlight on our faculty is Kevin Torres! Professor Torres began his career with the University of South Carolina system in Fall 2016 and joined the faculty at USC Union in Fall 2017. While teaching is his true passion, Professor Torres has also served as a medical interpreter for hospitals in both South Carolina and North Carolina.
- What is your role at UofSC Union, and how long have you worked here?
I joined UofSC Union in Fall 2017 after having taught at UofSC Columbia for a year. At UofSC Union, I am an instructor of Spanish, French and Italian. I also advise students who are pursuing education as their degree.
- What brought you to UofSC Union?
I was working as an adjunct at UofSC Columbia while I was working as a medical interpreter. I wanted to pursue teaching full time in higher education and saw an ad for a position at UofSC Union. I drove up to see the campus on a Saturday and applied the same day and I have loved teaching hearing since day 1.
- What is your favorite thing about UofSC Union?
My favorite thing about UofSC Union is being able to work for a terrific campus located in a wonderful community. I work with the most amazing people at UofSC Union and we collaborate often and find time outside of work to communicate or meet which is one of the reasons for the great work environment we have at UofSC Union.
- What is the best part about being a faculty member at UofSC Union?
To be a faculty member at UofSC Union is to be part of a family. It’s the ideal place to work amongst colleagues who become not only friends but family.
- What is the most helpful advice you’ve received?
My principal in high school always used the same quote every year for the end of the year farewell and church services. She would quote Winston Churchill and remind us “Never, never, never give up”.
- Why did you participate in a study abroad program at UofSC Union and what was the experience like?
I travel often and usually tell students of my travels during class. I wanted for them to experience what life is like outside of the U.S.A. I speak several languages so when I travel, I try to experience life in that country through the language and culture rather than as an outsider. The study abroad was a wonderful experience and because of it, I am planning for a future study abroad that will incorporate Italy, Germany, and Switzerland.
- Why do you think traveling abroad is important to UofSC Union students?
The world is a classroom that awaits us every day. There are so many experiences and sights awaiting us outside of the U.S.A. I am planning to be able to teach German as well and the study abroad that I am planning is to incorporate both German and Italian so students can travel and speak the languages and have a first-hand experience rather than rely on someone to interpret. It’s one thing for me to say what it was like to see the Glockenspiel with my own eyes or to describe what it was like to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, but it’ll be a memorable experience for them to venture off the pages of the textbook and experience it first-hand.
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