Susan Kerstein joined Peace Corps and went to Liberia in West Africa for two very long years and lived in a village of 150 people
Susan Kerstein
I have been a faculty member at National-Louis University since 1977. I have a B.A. and M.A. in Anthropology and teach in the Social Science Department. In 1983, I received an M.S.W (Social Work Degree) from the University of Illinois in Chicago and began teaching in the Human Services Department. I have also taught in the degree completion program at National designed for the adult returning student.
I am a product of the West Coast. I grew up in West Los Angeles where I spent my formative years. I did my undergraduate work at the University of California, Berkeley during the late 60's, an exciting and tumultuous time. Upon graduation, I went to the University of Oregon in Eugene where I attended graduate school in Anthropology. After Berkeley, I always laughed that the idea of a rally in Eugene was two people getting together with a sign.
After two years at Eugene, I decided I wanted to live in another culture rather than to continue to read about it. I joined Peace Corps. I went to Liberia in West Africa for two very long years of my life and lived in a village of 150 people. I taught elementary school to students ranging in age from 11 - 27 years old, taught English as a Second Language to adults in the village and did community development work with everyone. This was one of the most powerful experiences of my life.
Upon my return home, I worked for Peace Corps and VISTA in upstate New York, New England and Chicago. I did public relations, recruited applicants, placed volunteers into programs, and trained people who worked for the organization. When I left ACTION (Peace Corps/VISTA), I worked for six months designing education programs in the Continuing Education Department of Depaul University.
After Depaul, I took five part-time teaching positions at Loyola University, Mundelein College, National-Louis University (formerly National-College of Education) and Northwestern, because I wanted to teach. National-Louis University hired me full-time, and the rest is history. My specialties include diversity issues including race, gender and ethnicity, group interaction and communication skills. I regularly make presentations at conferences and consult at various organizations.
In my free time (when I find some), I enjoy movies, plays, biking and relaxing with friends.
