15 College Professor
What is it Like Being a College Professor
On this episode of the Unboxing Careers Podcast, Greg Zakowicz unboxes the career of a college professor.
Guest: Dr. Jason Freeman is an associate professor of sociology at Towson University and the assistant chair of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice. His research explores the interplay of religion and biology across the life course with a focus on the relationship between religion and substance use. He received his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and an M.A. degree in sociology and a B.A. in sociology from East Carolina University.
Connect with Lauren:
Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music
What We Discuss:
Discovering a Passion for Sociology and Religion and Health Research
Transitioning into the Education World
Steps to Enter the Higher Education World
Work-Life Balance in Academia
Challenges and Rewards of Dealing with Students
Tips for Job Hunting in Academia
Navigating Online Profiles and Social Media
Common Misconceptions about Working in Academia
The Most Rewarding Part of a Career in Academia
Key Career Takeaways:
Take opportunities in high school and college to teach and present on topics of interest
Build relationships and seek mentorship from professors and professionals in your field
Be open to different pathways in academia and explore various research and teaching opportunities
Maintain a professional online presence and be cautious of what you share on social media
The most rewarding part of a career in academia is seeing students succeed and expressing gratitude for your guidance
Greg
Welcome everyone to the Unboxing Careers podcast where we shed light on what different careers are really like so you can choose a career you'll really love. Today we are unboxing the career of a college professor.
But before we do, let’s talk briefly about unboxing thoughtful gifts. At ThoughtfulCollection.com you can shop from a wide selection of curated products you can feel good about, helping you express friendship, gratitude, and love.
The next time you need to, don't just gift. Gift thoughtfully at www.ThoughtfulCollection.com.
Greg
All right, I'd to welcome to show Dr. Jason Freeman, Associate Professor at Towson University. Jason, welcome to the Unboxing Careers podcast. Thank you for being here.
Dr. Jason Freeman
Thanks for having me.
Greg
No problem, and we're just talking offline. We both feel like summer is flowing by. We didn't even get summer out of here. So we're jumping back into the podcast world, right? Because summer is, it's past us now. So, all right, Jason, let's start with this. Tell the audience what area you specialize in and kind of what your role at the university is, if you will.
Dr. Jason Freeman
Yeah, so I'm a sociology professor. I am the assistant chair of my departments of sociology, anthropology, and criminal justice. And my focus research -wise is religion and health. So it's kind of like looking at how religious institutions affect things like substance use and physical health and things along those lines.
Greg
So how did you get into that particular field? Was it sociology and then that drove you to other areas? Was it something else that got you there? Walk us through that if you could.
Dr. Jason Freeman
Yeah, so when I first started college back in the 2000, basically, I wanted to do physics. I used to watch the show 321 Contact, the Science Show, and Nova. So I'm like, want to do physics. I want to learn about the space and the stars. So I took my first intro physics course. And we did trajectories, vertical velocity, and horizontal velocity. I'm like, I'm done. I can't. This is not holding my interest. I shifted to psychology. That was about just an undergrad course.
I really liked it. And so I was like, well, I could do psychology as my major. And then that next semester I took sociology and I've been kind of stuck. I love it. I fell in love with it at that time. And so when I was taking these sociology courses and writing papers, it would either be a race-based paper or religion.
And so by the time I got to grad school, religion was kind of my focus. And then I shifted to a religion and health because it was kind of a growing area looking at how religious institutions affected health. And so I've been doing that since 2008, basically.
Greg
That's awesome. And when did you decide you want to go into the education world?
Dr. Jason Freeman
Good question. So when I was an undergrad, after I kind of left the whole physics dream, I focused towards journalism. I wanted to be like a reporter, like writing newspaper articles. And actually I tried my hand at it. wrote for the East Carolinian, I went to East Carolina University. I wrote for the East Carolinian. I started sending like different magazines and stuff, like writing samples, and it just never happened. And so my plan B basically was grad school.
And so I, you know, I was good at school. That was kind of my thing. So I started grad school and while it was there, I was also working at a startup company, a medical billing company, and I hated it. Like it was not my thing. And so I have this, this company I'm working for and I'm having these class I'm taking. I love the classes. I hate the business world. So I just kind of leaned in this in academics. And so that's kind of how I decided become a professor basically.
Greg
So you just kind of navigated after you were already in college and just kind of figured out your feelings from there. And it's funny you say that Jason, because the one thing that is perpetual in all the conversations I've had so far is a lot of people find out once they start doing something that they hate what they're doing, right? So your instance of the business world, like I don't like this here. So it's interesting to say that because this is permeating through every conversation I've had. Go ahead.
Dr. Jason Freeman
Yeah, and the thing is, I was into the whole, like, you go to a startup company, you'll be there for a couple years, you suffer, and then you become, like, this millionaire. That was kind of my thought process. And I was there for three years while I'm in grad school, and I'm like, this is, this is not fun. And with medical billing, so you submit the medical billing, and if it doesn't go through exactly right, you get yelled at. So I would get yelled at on a weekly basis. And so I'm like, I was like, I don't like this. So yeah, I fell out of love with that whole dream of startup, you know company million and all that stuff.
Greg
Well, if it makes you feel better, I've been working for startups for 13 years and I'm still not a millionaire, so you might be okay there. And then you transition into the education world as you're going through this. Walk us through the decision to go into the higher education world versus elementary, high school, whatever it might be there. Why did you choose the collegiate side?
Dr. Jason Freeman
So two things. So when I was in college, I taught what's called vacation Bible school during the summers. And was kind of like, just, you know, I was something my church did. And so that was when I got to teach young kids and I realized very quickly that's not where my talent is. I just, it just isn't, I just don't have the talent for it. My wife actually is a second grade teacher, so she's great at that. I'm just not.
And so it was more so in grad school, actually undergrad a little bit, where I got to teach like lessons. So like we would do a project and we got to teach about something. And I really enjoyed it, like engaging with college, other college age students, engaging, like learning about the subject I'm teaching, I'm going to teach about. And so it was more so just while I'm in undergrad, grad school, I just kind of fell in love with teaching adults or teaching at this level.
Greg
Very good. to get into the collegiate atmosphere here. So walk anyone listening through just kind of what those steps are. So obviously, a degree. Do you need the graduate degree? I mentioned at the intro, doctor, so you have a PhD as well. So walk us through, if you will, kind of what you need as a minimum to get into the higher education world.
Dr. Jason Freeman
Okay, so as you mentioned, so I got a BA in sociology from East Carolina, and then I went into a master's program, because as I mentioned, I wasn't interested in being a professor initially, it more so, was my plan B. So while I'm there, I work and I got a master's degree. And so with a master's degree, you can do a couple things. You can teach at like community college level, you can be an instructor at a university level, but you're you're non-tenured.
And so I knew I wanted to do more than that once I kind of got into it. And so then I applied and got into UNC Chapel Hill for the PhD program. And so I was there for like eight years working, you know, teaching, also doing research. And so while I'm there, you start taking classes. So the first three years I did classes, then I did what's called comprehensive exams, which is kind of like just showing I'm an expert in the field. And then I worked on my dissertation. So I my dissertation, that was like a four year thing.
And then once I'd finished my dissertation, so this was 2016, I got my PhD and then I went straight into teaching here at Towson.
Greg
Okay, very good. And I'm a Duke fan, so don't hate me for this here.
Dr. Jason Freeman
I have friends that went to Duke. Duke's a really good school. I, you know, not the best basketball school. Gotcha. No, I actually went to Duke for, they like classes and stuff, like little workshops, so it's fine.
Greg
Yeah, it's a friendly rivalry, right? Most of the time. So let's talk a little bit about what your day-to-day looks like. I'm gonna follow up on something you mentioned before, which most people probably wouldn't pick up on, but you mentioned research and things like this. People don't realize doctors do a lot of research and stuff like that too, based on the field you're in. So walk us through what a typical week looks like for you, how many classes you're teaching, kind of lesson planning, kind of walk us through that. And then if you would, venture off into the research side. What does that consist of? How are those topics determined? Just kind of walk us through those nuts and bolts if you could, Jason.
Dr. Jason Freeman
Yeah, so the typical week during the semester, whether it be spring or fall, I teach three days a week. Now that does vary. So when I first started, I did two days, so Tuesday, Thursday, and then longer classes. But then with a young child, I found that it worked better if I do shorter classes and have basically a relatively shorter day. So I teach three classes a day, three times a week. And so I get here, say like, I get to campus maybe 9 am I teach at 10.
I teach at 11, I have a break and I teach at one. And I also have office hours. So basically I say, you know, if you want to talk to me, you know, reach out to me, you can do it via email or during office hours. And typically no one comes, which, you know, can be a little frustrating. But every so often you get a student who comes as not even just about the class. I get students asking about careers. I get students asking about just life, you know, advice. And so every so often that happens and I really actually really enjoy that.
Tuesday, Thursdays now are when I schedule doctor's appointments and things like that. But also as the assistant chair, that's also when I deal with other issues. Anything pops up that the chair can't handle, I deal with that during the week. Now, you want to go straight into research or?
Greg
Yeah, so can you maybe give an example about what something a chair might not be able to handle that might kick your way?
Dr. Jason Freeman
So one of things that we do here is advising, which isn't the case everywhere, but we advise students on things like, you know, the classes to take, career things. And so let's say that the chair is overwhelmed with other stuff. I'll take the advice and I'll talk with them and kind of help out in that situation.
Greg
Okay. Okay, perfect. Thanks for the clarification. And then, yeah, let's jump into research here if we can. So what are you researching? How are those topics determined? Walk us through that whole principle.
Dr. Jason Freeman
Yeah, so the thing about Towson is we're more of a teaching -focused institution. And so we typically do research in either the mini-mester, which is the winter session, or the summer. And that's kind of what I do. And so during the summers, I have a data set called the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. And I do a lot of research looking at religion and health connections. So I did a paper looking at parental religiosity and how that affects things like substance use behaviors.
And so typically, during the summer, I will get my data set. I'll go through the data cleaning, come up with my research questions, my hypotheses, and just do that research during the summer. And during the year, that's when I write the manuscript and get it ready for submitting to journals.
Greg
Okay, if you had to choose one or the other research versus the classroom side, what do think you would choose? Had to be one.
Dr. Jason Freeman
So I made that choice teaching So one of the interesting things about so I went to UNC Chapel Hill Which is a a top level r1 like research university and so when I went in the anticipation was I was gonna go get my Degree and go to a R1 university The issue though is when I got there I got to teach and I fell in love with teaching So we got to teach so I was basically what's called teaching fellows. So I taught during the summer
And that's really enjoyed it. really enjoy engaging with the students. really enjoyed, again, researching stuff to talk about and to teach. And so I've changed my path from being research focused to being more teaching focused. And so that's why I'm here at Towson. I have friends, I have one friend who's at the Wharton School of Business and she does a lot of research. It just kind of varies. And so it's more so I chose teaching and that's kind of why I focus more on teaching even though I do do research in addition.
Greg
Very good. And then walk us through, if you can, a little bit, kind of the steps to get to where you were. So you come out, let's say you've got your graduate degree, you're okay. What's that entry -level position in college atmosphere? How do you kind of work your way up to kind of the position you're in and then above if you want to kind of go there. But walk us through that progression if you could, just a little bit.
Dr. Jason Freeman
Okay, okay. So I graduated in April of 2016 and before that, my last year of grad school, I was on the job market. And I basically did an approach where I applied everywhere. I applied all over the place and apply. I got one interview in West Virginia and my wife was not happy. Because it wasn't like the capital. It was like in the middle. It was like being on a mountain somewhere. Thankfully I got this interview. So when I got here, I came in as with one of my PhD.
And so the thing is, had I not finished, I would have come in as an instructor and I would have lower pay. So I came in with my PhD. And so I started that first year. It was more so kind of getting, you I didn't have like service requirements, just kind of getting into it. And so my first five years are really geared towards getting tenure. So I'm on what's called a tenure track. And so every year I'm doing annual reviews and getting peer evaluations.
And so by the end of that five year period, I submitted my tenure folder, tenure promotion folder. And for that next year, it goes from the department to the college up to the university president. And eventually they let me know if I get tenure. So it actually was a pretty good process. They helped me along with that. So I got tenure in 2001. And so then moved, I got promoted to associate professor and now I have tenure. And so then after that, I became the assistant chair, which is again kind of the second level person in the part.
Greg
Is 10 years after 5ish years, is that pretty typical? To me it seems short but I don't really know this stuff. I would think like 10 to 15 years. Okay.
Dr. Jason Freeman
No, it's actually pretty normal. generally in your sixth year, you go up for tenure. The thing about getting a job in academia, at least from my experiences, is that it is harder to get the job. So getting the job is the difficult part. But once you get there, everyone, like no one wants you to leave, basically. Like you're there, you're part of the department. And so I got help in regards to kind of support with research. I got funding and just kind of like mentorship throughout my time here. So everyone helped me get to the point where I can get tenure. So I went up, it was good. I felt pretty confident and it was a pretty seamless process.
Greg
That's great. Well, congratulations on that. So it's exciting. Work -life balance, it sounds like it's pretty good. I've got to imagine, like you mentioned, hey, I got these days, you can have the schedule around, I can make Dutch appointments, go to the bank, whatever you need to do there. I'm assuming research, you're probably knee deep into it, probably for a long time and stuff like that. But walk us through just a little bit, if you can, maybe elaborate on the work -life balance of a collegiate professor.
Dr. Jason Freeman
Yep, thank you.
Yeah, so one of the good things about where I am is it's very much family friendly. So for example, like when I was, when my son was first born, I was able to use FMLA and basically I taught one class, but I could just go home and spend time with my son during that first semester after he was born. And so since that time, with the department, if I have to do stuff, like leave early to go pick up my son, no problem.
So in regards to work -life balance, it's very much geared towards, I'm not pressured, I have to be here for this amount of time. It's more like, I have to figure out, okay, so I need to get this done. And so once I get this done, I'm back at home. But it's more so like, how much time am I willing to be away from my family? It's more of the kind of the question not like, you know, do they expect me to be here for a certain amount of time?
Greg
Excellent. So you mentioned you have friends that teach over at like, Oregon and stuff like that. Do you find it to be very similar when you talk to them about kind of work -life balance as well? I don't want you to speak for them, but for general conversation.
Dr. Jason Freeman
Yeah, Wharton, yeah. Yeah, well, when I was at UNC, it was very obvious. And that's one of the reasons why I did want to also go teaching. While I was there, like the faculty people I got to know pretty well, it was very much like you have to like his work, like work research, getting grants, funding, that's the life. And very much I was like, I can't. And this was before I met my wife before that I'm like, this is not what I want. And so that was really one of the things that pushed me towards
And so, I mean, don't really, that's kind of one of things, I don't see them as much, very much at this point, but very much when I was there and I got to see my like mentor and those people, it was research, know, writing, all that was the life. And I'm like, that's not for me.
Greg
That's good. That's good. So this is the second time in this conversation we're talking about looking at something and being like, hey, I don't want that. So yeah. So you mentioned you love the office hours part when people actually come to see you. And I get that, right? 18 to 22 year old -ish. A lot of them know everything, right? I certainly did when I was that age. What is the most challenging part with dealing with young adults?
Dr. Jason Freeman
Good question. So one of the things I've noticed over time is people, okay, so this is good thing. People are more apt to talk about mental health challenges, which was not the case when I was an undergrad or grad. And so that's something that is good. The thing is I'm more apt to see those on a semester to semester basis. So people will talk about issues going on with them, talk about interpersonal dynamics, problems going on at home or with a significant other.
So a lot of it is that. kind of getting those situations and knowing what to say. And so I've sometimes had to go to other people. We have a really good kind of mental health apparatus here to kind of deal with that as well. Like we have these things called care forums. And so if someone comes to me with an issue, I can reach out to them and kind of figure out what do I say in this situation. So that's kind of the biggest challenge at this point is dealing with students who are dealing with these issues at home with parents, know, domestic violence situations.
Unfortunately, sometimes sexual assault situations, again, it's something that I know is going to come to me. I wasn't trained for this, but I'm oftentimes the first line person they go to in those situations. So a lot of that, that's kind of the biggest challenge when it comes to dealing with those situations.
Greg
Have you found that over each year you become a little more comfortable with those? Because I'm sure you probably start to see, right? It's a microcosm of the world, right? You start to see similar things repeat over and over again. But I've got to believe that's got to be first couple of years have to be extremely challenging to kind of get comfortable, not even comfortable with, but get familiar with.
Dr. Jason Freeman
The first year was very difficult because one, I'm dealing with learning, sorry. Okay, sorry. I'm learning the job and then also kind of what you meant, like the idea is that I'm young compared to the other faculty and so they're coming to me because I'm young and that, it's just like, I don't know what to do with this. I've never dealt with this before.
Even though I did teach a little bit at UNC, it wasn't the same level. And so that first year was very difficult trying to figure out how to navigate these very real tough situations.
Greg
Excellent. All right, let's shift a little bit to specifically high school and then we'll go immediately to college after that. So let's talk to a high school student right now. So someone that maybe wants to be a teacher, maybe is thinking that, Hey, this could be something for me. I don't really know yet though. Could be about, you know, I want to be a teacher. I don't know what I want to teach. What advice might you offer to students who either have decided or are kind of dabbling into education might be the field to go into.
Dr. Jason Freeman
Yeah, I guess for me, it's, I would say take any opportunity you can at the high school level to give presentations and to kind of do kind of teaching type things. So I think about when I was in English class my junior year, I got to do a project on Walt Whitman where I got to actually teach the class. And so basically, you know, I got, you know, got my presentation together, got my notes and basically taught.
And so that was one of those first experiences, learning what works, what doesn't work. So taking those opportunities in high school, I think is important. The other thing is if you're interested in education, think about that topic, but also try other things as well. So for me, it was like, I tried different things and I realized this is what I do. I love to teach. So taking those opportunities to teach in high school, take opportunities to teach in college, but also be open to other avenues as well.
Because I think once you find that thing you love like when I found my love of teaching it just made it Something I really wanted to do it wasn't something like I'm gonna do this. I'm gonna do it. No matter what it's more So, okay. I'll try other things. I really like this particular thing this teaching and being part of the education process
Greg
Now when you're in high school, were you a natural in front of people? Like did you like public speaking or is it something you are very nervous with?
Dr. Jason Freeman
That's a good question. So I was nervous, but the thing is if I was passionate about the topic, it was easier. So when I was reading about Walt Whitman, I was so, I enjoyed it so much. like, I want to tell other people about this guy, like about what he wrote and then kind of his, you know, his way of challenging the kind of norms of that time. So, you know, when I'm passionate about something, yes, I'm much more comfortable. But honestly, one of my best classes I took in college was public speaking. I took my first semester.
And so once I learned those techniques, every other chance to teach, I was using those techniques. And even to this day, I still prepare with my notes, not writing out exactly what I'm saying, but having the bullet points. And I got that from that class. So yeah, very much it was. So I do get nervous. Even like I'm going to start teaching next week, I still get nervous that first day. But once I kind of get into it, once I've talked about stuff I'm interested in, that kind of goes away.
Greg
Alright, so you mentioned college. Let's stay on the college side because obviously you generally have a lot more opportunity to dabble into a variety of things when you go to college, whether it's community college or major universities. So typically not always because you're an example here, go to school you are probably, I don't want to say that, you are likely studying to become a teacher. Not always the case, but more often than not maybe that. How about that?
You mentioned public speaking class, so what shocked up as one of them. How about other piece of advice you might offer someone who's specifically in college that, whether it's organizations, clubs, different classes that might be unrelated. Anything specific you might offer those students?
Dr. Jason Freeman
Yeah, I'm trying to think of something specific. I'm trying my own pathway as well, it would really help me. So definitely public speaking. For me also, when I would like, again, as I mentioned when I was writing papers, I would find things I was kind of interested in. And so the research part was a big part, like learning about these different things. And then when I got to talk about it, that was kind of the big thing. So, you know, taking time when you're researching things that you're interested in and finding things that you kind of already have an interest in for papers. So that helped me out. So I learned a lot of stuff in these different classes, writing papers. So that helped me with research and that also helped me by extension with teaching.
Greg
Okay, very good. We've graduated. Congratulations. We're going to get our first job now. What advice would you have for someone who's you said before, like the tough part is getting the job once you get the job and kind of navigate your way through. What are some tips for someone that is going into the workforce? Is it all really about internships and making connections in college? Is it trying to find the right university to work out? How should someone newly out of school be approaching their job hunt?
Dr. Jason Freeman
So for me, my job started when I was in school. So it was very much seeking mentorship, so talking to people who've already been through the process. And that helped me out a lot. So people who had gotten jobs, even also in jobs and places, type of colleges I was interested in. So definitely reach out to people who are doing what you want to do. So I'm one of those people too, if you're interested in teaching at this level, you can feel free to email me. I'm more than willing. So reaching out to people.
Also kind of thinking about what things are important to you. So like for me, it was being at a place where I felt comfortable at a place where people seem to be also interested in teaching. And so I did research at more teaching focused schools. So I applied to a lot of those schools. Let's see, the job market. Also making sure your materials are good. So we have a CV, which is kind of like a resume.
Just make sure there's no typos, have other people look at it and make sure of those, because once you, because I also evaluate people who are for hires now at this point. And you can kind of see the people who take it seriously and the people who don't. And so making sure your materials are together and that everything is kind of organized, well organized. Also building relationships and connections because you're going to need that recommendation letter from somebody. And so building those connections while you're in college, professors, you mentioned internships, so people you work with those people are gonna be the people to help you get those recommendations or give you those recommendations which will help you get that job.
Greg
What's the best way for someone to ask for a letter of recommendation from a professor? Is it just to ask them to like, if you've got a C in the class, but you're friendly with them, like do you go to that person? How should someone approach that?
Dr. Jason Freeman
You would be surprised, the type, the request I get. I generally say yes if it's someone who I generally think is going to work hard in the thing they're doing. If it's somebody who didn't really work hard in the class, didn't really do, but for the most part, a lot of students who do well in the class, they will ask for a letter of recommendation. And so for me, it's more just ask. Like I have an open door policy, just shoot me an email.
The worst I could do is say no, but generally I don't. But it's one of those things, if it's someone that is going to be willing to write you a letter, it's someone that you're probably going to be willing to talk to. And so, you know, again, I would just ask, just go straight away. And again, the worst they could do is say no.
Greg
spend a minute before we dial back into the back side of this here. So online profiles, everyone's online now, Instagram, whatever. How would you recommend people approach this? Because I could imagine, meaning, most people, not all, but most people would be like, lock the stuff down, get off it. it's, you know, they say get off it, but they also say, I know it's the real world. That's a tough question. But I've got to imagine like, let's use, I don't know, if you're studying, I don't know, pick something. i don't know. Sociology, like having an Instagram feed where you are posting about relatable topics along that, like good idea, bad idea, cautious. How would you kind of like to guide people in the online world?
Dr. Jason Freeman
I would say be cautious. So when I was on the job market, I had Facebook, I had Twitter. Let's see. I wasn't really on YouTube at that point. But I like basic social media. And one thing, advice I got was to make sure there's nothing up there that's going to be embarrassing or be problematic. Now, for the most part, I didn't have anything, I didn't for the most, I didn't have anything like that. But you want to just go through and look at your social media and just be very wary.
Going forward, just be very careful. I think it was Herm Edwards, the football coach, who had this famous line, don't push sin. And so I live like that, so live by that. if something frustrates me and gets angry, don't push sin, just sit back. so, because once it's out there, it's out there. So I would just say be cautious in that. Just be very careful how you're presenting yourself because it's...
It's not that like when people, when we're evaluating people for jobs, I go on their Facebook, but it's out there. And it's something that's out there that's very public, that's very problematic. It's going to eventually come to the fore. At some point either before you get the job, when you get the job. So just be careful with your social media and it's just like you're presenting yourself. Present yourself in the best way possible. And so if you have stuff from earlier that's problematic, just get rid of, take it down. People mature, people change.
But just make sure you don't have anything up there that you wouldn't want people to see like now. Just get rid of it. Take it down. Yeah.
Greg
Makes sense. All right, as we start winding down here, how about some common misconceptions about working in academia?
Dr. Jason Freeman
One kind of a misconception is that we have summers off. So in that, so this past summer, I was working in the office, not teaching, but trying to get ready for teaching. So you're reading books that I'm getting ready to use this year, making sure all my syllabi and everything is correct. So even though I wasn't in the classroom, I was still working on teaching. And so that's the one of the big misconceptions. and, and when I was pre tenure,
I was doing my research. So even though I wasn't in the classroom, I was working just as hard getting my research done because I knew that once the semester starts, I'm back in the classroom.
The biggest misconception is that we have all the answers. Like I'm trying to like, even now as assistant chair, I'm still trying to figure stuff out, like even at the university level. So students will ask me questions about something and it's like, I'll look into it. I don't know. students kind of look at us as if we have the answers and it's like, we don't, we're figuring out as we go as well, just like you guys. So, yeah.
Greg
Excellent. How about something you wish you knew sooner about your industry?
Dr. Jason Freeman
Something I wish I knew sooner. I mean, when I first started, it was all about research and getting grants and stuff. i think that there are other pathways. It's not just one way to be a professor. So I had this one image in my head and it wasn't until I was already in like in grad school on that pathway, they realized there's another pathway that I ended up liking better. So I guess if I had understood that there's different ways to do this job earlier on, it would just have been easier, but I found my way here. So, but that's the one thing.
Greg
Excellent, and how about the most rewarding part of your career?
Dr. Jason Freeman
So every so often I'll get the, you probably can't see it. Shoot. yeah. So this is basically a student, who wrote me a letter, thanking me for helping them out during the semester. So I have a bunch of them here. And so that's the most rewarding thing. Like when a student at the very end of the process, one, graduated, that's, that's the biggest thing.
But also when they come to you and say thank you for helping me along this process. I had this difficulty you helped me out with. So that is to me the biggest reward, kind of seeing students become successful.
Greg
phenomenal. It's great you save those too. So hopefully they're watching this or listening to it and being like, hey, you know, he's taking care of me, so it means something.
Dr. Jason Freeman
I do, yeah I have them. I appreciate it when it happens.
Greg
Jason, what did I neglect to ask you that you feel is important for the audience to know?
Dr. Jason Freeman
One of the reasons I think education is important, because I think it's empowering. you know, people think about, you know, getting an education to get a job. And I think that's just one small part of it. It's like, once you learn about the world, once you see the world as much bigger than what maybe you've been presented through education, it just gives you a lot more freedom to explore. So to me, education and travel are two of the most important things to do in life, because again, it expands your world beyond what's just in front of you.
I'm from Eastern North Carolina, I'm from a small town. And so my world was small. And then once I got into college, and I learned about history and different parts of the world, my world became much more expanded. So that was an important thing education did for me that otherwise I don't know where I'd be without an education.
Greg
Very well said, very well said. All right, before we go, Jason, you're out of academia, you can't go into teaching, any level, and I'm gonna pull journalism off the plate here. So if you have to choose a different career, which career are you gonna choose and why?
Dr. Jason Freeman
So, I love, well, okay, when I was in school, I would love to write short stories. So like an English class. And so some form of creative writing, whether it be writing like science fiction books and big sci -fi fan, writing screenplays, but something where I can be creative writing would be my thing. So I can see myself writing on a TV show or writing a movie or something like that. That would have been my alternative.
Now, even that job is very, like, trying to, you know, from project to project, but that's something, that was my other passion, writing creatively, writing short stories and things like that. Yep. Thank you.
Greg
That's awesome. So Jason, thanks for your time today. It was awesome having you. You mentioned email. So if someone wants to reach out, ask any questions about a career, what's the best way to get a hold of you? We'll link all this in the show description as well. But whether it be email, social handles, what's the best way for someone to get ahold of you?
Dr. Jason Freeman
Well, probably the best way is just in my email. So jfreeman at Towson dot edu. And I check my email daily and I get emails from people who aren't at Towson who ask just general questions and I respond. So yeah, emails are the best way. I mean, I'm on like all the social media things. So if you can reach out to me through that as well. But for the most part, my email is my best way to get a hold of me.
Greg
Perfect. Dr. Jason Freeman, everyone. Find out more about Dr. Freeman. Check out the show notes we had just talked about.
I hope you enjoyed today's episode. I hope everyone enjoyed today's episode If you'd like to unbox your career with us, we'd love to have you Please visit the website to find out more, and until next time, be kind of one.
(Interview transcription provided by Riverside.fm. May not be 100% accurate.)
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