Fall — 2008

Dr. Veronica Burke

Italian/Music

“Education is the most wonderful gift your can give yourself. And SMC is practically free. It’s a gift everyone should take advantage of.”

She knows the classrooms of SMC, does Veronica Burke. She’s a product of them, and she’s currently a teacher in them. “I’m a former SMC student, but that was eons ago,” she reports with a hearty laugh. “I transferred to UCLA for my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Spanish, and then I got a full scholarship to do my doctorate at Tulane, in New Orleans. And now I’m a part-time Spanish instructor in SMC’s Modern Languages Department.”

Though she has a warm place in her heart for New Orleans, Veronica reported a longing for her native SoCal. “I just felt it was time to come home. And I’m loving teaching at SMC. The students are great, and I learn from them every day. My instructor colleagues are sensational, and I love having them as my peers. And I’m a student, as well, so I’m getting the best of both worlds.” But as a student—once again—Veronica is experiencing what all students know full well: facing a challenge. “You know, music is a whole different language. Unfortunately, it’s not a Romance language, so it doesn’t come easily to me!” (She laughs). “The piano is very challenging. But the voice? That’s an instrument too, and it needs a lot of training.”

But Veronica is making her way in music and feels simply great to be back at her alma mater. “I would say this to all students: It’s never too late to learn, no matter your age or the challenges you face. Education is the most wonderful gift you can give yourself. And SMC is practically free. It’s a gift everyone should take advantage of.”

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