For SRJC instructor Cassandra Schafer, teaching communications is a means to an end: world peace. “I fundamentally believe that if people could communicate better, in all the ways that we mean ‘communicate better,’ that the world would be a more peaceful place,” explained Schafer.
It is a bold endeavor inspired by Shafer’s unique life experiences, which have led her to believe that we can all agree to disagree. “Yes, we have different points of view,” she says, referring to the idea that there is no harm in listening to other people’s opinions. “That’s how it is in the world.”
As a politically conscious peace activist attending San Francisco State University, Shafer first became interested in propaganda analysis. She discovered that in order to continue she would have to abandon her strict moral values. Determined to help change the world she switched her focus to intercultural and interpersonal communication. A teaching internship at the university soon ensued, and she later found her way to SRJC where she has been teaching for the past six years.
Her demeanor is calm and peaceful, and her smile contagious. Despite personal hardship, Shafer is confident and more than willing to talk about her past. She has used misfortune to her advantage by applying harsh life lessons to her teaching style. Several years ago, Shafer’s husband was diagnosed with a very rare brain disorder that affected his right temporal lobe and ability to grasp social awareness. The condition was not curable, and took his life. Yet, in the face of such devastation, Shafer saw a lesson in the tragedy and makes use of it today.
“It was sort of like having, up close and personal, my own medical lab research project to watch how a person changes behavior, communication and relationships when their brain is damaged. That has caused me to bring a lot of neurology into the classroom.”
Being an instructor brings challenges as well, according to Shafer. When asked about her least favorite aspect of the job, she mentioned her distaste for grades. “Grading is the absolute hardest thing in the world for me,” she said. Noting that students come into the classroom from all walks of life and with different learning styles, she sees the application of a strict grading system as an enormous challenge.
“I can’t measure everyone with the same yardstick,” she said. She also believes that by the time they arrive at college, students have been indoctrinated to “see the grade as the compass.” While realizing they are necessary, Shafer stresses the importance of grades being used as useful information and not some punitive, discouraging act. “The worst thing I can imagine is that the grade would crush somebody so that they didn’t pursue the next step.”
Schafer’s passion for developing creative curriculum shows in how she designs courses that will engage different learning styles. Her love for her students is obvious. “It’s so fun and exciting to get to know new people,” she said. Admitting she receives mixed feedback, she is happy if at least one student appreciates her understanding.
SRJC student Michael Young, who is enrolled in Schafer’s Speech 60 class, appreciates her leniency. “It’s really cool to have a laid back teacher who realizes you have other classes, and other assignments and other things going on,” he said. “Some teachers seem to think your entire life revolves around their class.”
In spite of walking a somewhat rocky road, Shafer has little regret, and sees failures and disasters as powerful learning experiences. “I think I’m just exactly where I’m supposed to be doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing in the way I’m supposed to be doing it,” she said.
“I can’t always see how it’s working, but I have a faith that the students who come through my door—there’s some reason why they’re in my classroom instead of somebody else’s classroom. I think it’s just the coolest. I’m very happy here.”
