Faculty Q and A’s: Cosmetology and math instructors
Patricia Gebert – cosmetology. Hired in 1976
Q: When’d you start at El Camino?
“In the 70’s I started teaching part-time and in 1976 begin teaching full-time.”
Q: Why did you choose to teach at El Camino?
“I grew up in this area and I love El Camino. I was hired at Golden West College and turned it down because I had an interview with El Camino.”
Q: What’s the biggest change you’ve seen at El Camino?
“I just think El Camino keeps up with the times, especially with vocational classes. There’s always new trends that are happening and are changing constantly, El Camino has done a good job trying to help us keep up with the current trends.”
Q: What do you want people to know about yourself or the subject you teach?
“[Cosmetology] is a very exciting field that is constantly changing. For example: The Academy Awards are coming up and students are anxiously watching for the new hair and nail trends.”
Q: What’s one thing you’ll always remember about teaching here?
“Just how much fun it is to work here. My friends talk about retiring and when I think about retiring I feel sad because everyday is a new adventure.”
Robert Horvath – math. Hired in 1969
Q: When’d you start at El Camino?
“Fall of 1969.”
Q: Why did you choose to teach at El Camino?
“I had another job and my wife was getting sick of the smog (where we lived). I used to teach at San Bernardino Valley College.”
Q: What’s the biggest change you’ve seen at El Camino?
“All the construction going on.”
Q: What do you want people to know about yourself or the subject you teach?
“I just like to see [students] to go on to a 4-year school and get their degree.”
Q: What’s one thing you’ll always remember about teaching here?
“It’s very pleasant teaching here, everybody is really friendly.”
Q: Do you like the students?
“Yeah, the students and faculty, if we didn’t have them we wouldn’t be able to do our job.”
