Empowering Students, Inspiring Change: A Conversation with Sanda, a Dedicated Educator
Posted by katie.weibel
As we celebrate National Women’s History Month, we’re excited to share the story of an inspiring educator whose passion for teaching and empowering others has shaped countless lives. One of our alumni, Erick, nominated Sanda for this feature, highlighting the incredible impact she’s had on students and the Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) department. “She is a great instructor, great mentor,” Erick shared. “I would really like to see her work be recognized for making such an impact in the EET department.”
Sanda, a faculty member at Portland Community College (PCC) since 2005, and the program chair since 2006, has made a significant impact in the fields of electronics engineering technology. Her journey into education began in 2000 at Clackamas Community College (CCC), and over the years, she has built a reputation not only for her technical expertise but also for her unwavering commitment to helping students thrive.
Sanda’s path to teaching was shaped early on by a deep desire to help others learn. “I’m the kind of person who likes to teach people,” she shared. “I’m a born teacher.” Her experience as a substitute teacher ignited a passion for sharing knowledge and empowering students to pursue their goals. “I truly like to exist around education,” she said. “I love this group of people. I like students and supporting them in their quest for a new career. I’m here to support them in whatever capacity they need.”
Sanda sees herself as both a student and a teacher. She’s currently taking classes for the Foundations of Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) certificate, always seeking to learn and grow herself. “I love to share knowledge, and I also love to learn from others,” she said. Her belief that learning is a two-way street is at the core of her teaching philosophy.
One principle from IPNB that Sanda has embraced and shares with her students is the incredible power of focus. “The focus of our attention is rewiring our brains,” she explained. “Our attention is a powerful tool that we can use to our advantage.” She shared a beautiful analogy that emphasizes this: “Bees are focused on flowers, flying from flower to flower. They fly over garbage, see the garbage but don’t put their focus on it, nor do they stop on it.” This is a principle Sanda applies in her own life and encourages others to do the same—focus on what works, what’s good, and what’s constructive, rather than dwelling on the negative.
“Empowerment comes from focusing on what is working,” she said. “This is what I do—I don’t dwell on what is not working, but on what works. By focusing on the positives, we can move forward.”
Throughout her career, one of the most influential figures in Sanda’s life has been Cheryl, an employer at Intel. Cheryl’s belief in Sanda’s potential and their collaboration to help launch the microelectronics program at CCC was a turning point in her own confidence and growth. “I inspired myself to be like Cheryl,” she said, reflecting on the support she received from her mentor and how it inspired her to give back to her students in the same way.
As a mentor, educator, and student advisor, balancing the demands of supporting others while continuing her own growth has been a key challenge. “Being a mentor, sometimes we do get women in need of support,” she explained. “Time management is very important, but you find time because you care about people. I’ve never turned someone down; if I couldn’t help, I directed them to someone who could.” She emphasized the importance of teamwork in managing these demands, citing how her team of student advisors provides invaluable support to students navigating their educational journeys.
Reflecting on the evolution of her students, especially young women, she shared a powerful memory of working with a shy first grader who initially believed robotics was “for boys, not girls.” After spending time building a tower with LEGO blocks, the young girl’s confidence grew, and she ended the session by exclaiming, “I did it!” This moment, Sanda said, was a reminder of the unconscious biases that many women face, and how important it is to encourage them to take that first step. “Once they start with baby steps, they can do it. It’s just the first step,” she said.
Despite the challenges women face, especially in fields like engineering, she stressed the importance of feeling included and supported. “We want every student to succeed,” she said. “The men I work with are wonderful. I’ve had incredible colleagues who have encouraged and supported me.” She emphasized the value of being part of a supportive team and how the field of engineering, though historically male-dominated, offers great opportunities for women to excel.
For women considering their future careers, Sanda’s advice is simple but powerful: “Explore engineering careers. It’s mentally stimulating and rewarding, with good pay and a lot of creative power. It’s a great field to be in.” She went on to highlight the benefits of pursuing engineering, including access to scholarships, tutoring services, and hands-on learning opportunities. “It’s not as difficult as it might seem,” she said. “We have amazing co-op opportunities for practical experience, and you will grow from here.”
Sanda’s dedication to her students, her community, and her field is a true testament to the power of education and mentorship. “I am truly impressed by our students and alumni,” she said. “They are hardworking, inclusive, and respectful. It’s a great place to be.” As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we are reminded of the lasting impact that passionate educators like Sanda have on the lives of students and the communities they serve.
BLB! (Be Like Bees!) Maintain the focus on what is noteworthy, kind, and successful while still addressing unpleasantness. Empowerment comes from focusing on the positive, just as bees focus on flowers and not on the garbage.
If you’d like to follow in Sanda’s footsteps, our program, PCC Career Pathways & STEP offers a short certificate in EET. Find out more here: https://www.pcc.edu/programs/electronic-engineering/pathway-electronic-engineering/
