Boise State Writing Studies

Please enjoy our next DWS Faculty Spotlight featuring Jan Roser.

Tell us a little about your time at Boise State? Since 2014, I’ve been a lecturer for the FYW Program teaching English 101 & 102.

What did/do you want to be when you grew up? From ages 8-10, I wanted to be a nun. This was not driven by the divine. My home life was a bit chaotic with an alcoholic father, four brothers, three sisters, two dogs, five cats and a very tired mother. It was also the early 70’s and the Catholic Church was hip (to me) with the emergence of folk music, acoustic guitars and tambourines. Before mass, I attended Sunday school. Dressed in polyester pants and high collared shirts, the nuns captured my attention with silence barely whispering the lessons. I loved their quiet presence. Although we stopped going to church when I was eleven and the idea of becoming a nun faded into the background, I still seek out quiet spaces.

What is something new you are learning?
Italian. My husband and I are planning a hut-to-hut hike in the Dolomites this summer so I am learning some very basic phrases. For example, Vorrei una tazza di tè con zucchero e un croissant. Yep, that’s me ordering a cup of tea with sugar and a croissant. 🤙

Favorite thing about Boise State?
I ❤️ students! Returning from spring break this week has been a joy. Even before I entered the classroom, I could hear a dull roar. It’s a treat to see my students engage with one another, sharing their spring break pictures. One student shared some photos from his trip to Disneyland and laughter filled the room. My goal every semester is to establish a relaxed classroom, which I believe is essential for creating a supportive learning environment that enhances student engagement and participation.

Introducing our newest single to the pod. His type: someone loyal, loud, and loves blue and orange. Can his wild heart be tamed? 💙🧡