By Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC
In January of 1986 I applied and became an instructor of Addictions Studies at Harold Washington Community College, Chicago. My desire to teach was inspired by my frustration as a young drug counselor. I felt there were too many counselors doing too much talking and not enough listening to clients! I decided to try to change that by teaching a new generation of drug counselors.
I was hired quickly for one semester by the chair of the Addictions Study Department, Jeffrey Shore. Jeffrey told me that at the end of the semester he would do a classroom observation to decide if I would be asked to continue to teach at the college.
The start of the observation was a nightmare. I had a student that was monopolizing the class while Jeffrey was observing. An African American student, John Pitts, who was older than me and wise, interrupted the monopolizer by asking me a question I could answer. I was back on track! I looked at John Pitts to say thank you non-verbally and he gave a wink. John Pitts saved my teaching career!
I continued to teach at Harold Washington College for 14 years and ended my college teaching career as an Addictions Studies educator at the University of Chicago. I have lectured all over the world and can trace every lecture (6 degrees) to the 14 years I taught at Harold Washington College. Thank you again, John Pitts! Without your fast thinking, much of what I accomplished might not have happened.
If there have been John Pitt's who have played an important role in your life and career, please let them know.