Anne Eckhardt

Interviewed by Elizabeth Rodriguez

 

What is your position at Plaza College?
I am an adjunct professor at Plaza, teaching primarily in the Bachelor’s BBA program.  My main focus is marketing and statistics. 

Where did you grow up, primarily, and where did you attend college? What degrees do you hold? 
I was born in the Bronx and lived there until I was ten when my family moved to Brewster, New York.  I moved back to the City in 1978.  The commute from Brewster to Manhattan was 2 hours each way.  I felt I had no personal life.  I chose to live in Jackson Heights because it was not that citified, and it was only 15 minutes by subway to Manhattan.  When I graduated from high school, I was not interested in attending a four-year college.  I went to Katharine Gibbs and received a certificate in secretarial sciences.  I got a great job right away working for a tax department.  Over a seven year period of time, I worked my way up to office manager.  I realized that I needed a Bachelor’s Degree if I wanted to go further in my career.  I returned to Katharine Gibbs and received my Associate’s Degree.  I then transferred to Marymount Manhattan College and received my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.  After I received my Bachelor’s Degree I moved into the real estate field and became a real estate asset portfolio manager.  Several years later, I returned to school and received my Master’s Degree in Real Estate Finance and Investment from New York University. 

Did you always want to be a teacher? If not what was your original career goal?  If you had a different career prior to becoming a teacher what was it and why did you change careers?  
I was never really interested in teaching until I was in my late 40’s.  I loved corporate America, and I enjoyed all of the positions I held during my career.  My responsibilities were very diverse, challenging and I never did the same thing two days in a row.  When my boss decided to retire, he closed the company and moved to London. At that time, I decided I wanted to change careers, and teaching was at the top of my list. 

How long have you been teaching?  How long have you been teaching at Plaza?
I have been teaching since April 2005 when I joined the faculty at Plaza. 

Describe your experience so far at Plaza College.

I love teaching at Plaza. I like the makeup, energy, and commitment of the student body. A good majority of the students have had tough life experiences but they haven’t given up.  They are working very hard to make a better life for themselves and their families.  I’m glad I can be a part of that. I also like working with the other professors.  They are all very dedicated; not only can the students count on them, but so can I when I need help.

 How was your first day working at Plaza?
I was very nervous on my first day at Plaza.  I was excited and scared.  It was the first time I was teaching.  I knew I wanted to be there but, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be good at it, and if the students were going to like my style of teaching.

What advice would you give the students of Plaza? (especially returning students who juggle work, a family and school)
Pursue your dreams and never give up on them.  Always put your family first. Create a network of people who will support you and keep them close.  Don’t hold on to the knowledge you gain – give it away, educate others.

List three of your most important/proudest accomplishments (personal or school related).
I have a very strong code of ethics.  I have a close relationship with my family. I am now comfortable teaching.

What are some aspects of your position that you like?
I enjoy the interaction with the students and faculty.

Has there been a specific moment in your teaching career where you felt you made the right career choice?
Every time a see that a student actually understand the course material and can see how they can use it in their lives, I know that I made the right career choice. 

What does success mean to you? How do you judge it?
Success means attaining the goals that I’ve set for myself.  

What motivates you to put forth your best effort toward helping Plaza students?
The knowledge that I am helping someone better their lives. 

How would you describe yourself?
Self-confident, friendly and funny. 

Tell us about the funniest/most embarrassing moment in your life so far.
I arrived at Port Authority early on a Monday morning after visiting my cousin in New Jersey.  I was wearing a wrap-around skirt.  I didn’t realize that the cord for the skirt had broken.  As I’m walking down 42nd Street, my skirt was falling off me!  A woman came up behind me and grabbed the skirt before it actually fell off completely. 

Tell us something about your life outside the classroom. Do you have any interesting hobbies?
I love to bake. 

Do you cook and if so what is your best dish?
I also love to cook.  My best dish is pork chops with kupusta.  I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and using my friends as guinea pigs. 

What is the most interesting place you have traveled to? (describe)
India has to be the most interesting place that I’ve traveled to.  The history, art, and architecture are amazing.  The people are friendly, and the food is wonderful.  But, the poverty can be very overwhelming. However, Mykonos, Greece and Melbourne, Australia are tied for places I’ve traveled to and had the most fun.  

Do you have any pets? (name and breed and how long you have had the pet)
We always had a dog when I was growing up – no purebreds, just beautiful mixed-breeds.  I recently adopted a 20-month old, short-haired tabby cat.  Her name is Apple, and she has become the apple of my eye! 

If you could be someone else for one day, who would it be and why?
I have no interest in being someone else for one day.  I like me, and I like the life I’ve made for myself. 

Give us a look into the world of Ms. Eckhardt as a college student.
I worked full time when I was going to college.  Most of the students here can appreciate the fact that there really wasn’t enough time to join any school clubs or activities.  I went to school at night, and I spent any free time I had with family and friends. 

What was your favorite song as a teenager?
“Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen was my favorite song when I was young.  Now, I don’t have a particular song that I like; however, I do enjoy listening to Celine Dion and Andrea Bocceli. 

What do you remember most vividly about your interview at Plaza College?
My most vivid memory of my interview was that Mr. Callahan Sr. was one of the people that interviewed me.  I was not expecting the “ top dog” to interview me. 

Years from now what one moment would stand out in your mind about your time at Plaza?

The moment that stands out for me is the annual award ceremony.  Students are so proud of their accomplishments and it’s nice to see their families celebrate with them. 

What do you think is the key to Plaza’s success?
The key to Plaza’s success is their dedicated faculty.