Most students and faculty members are familiar with Dean of Academic Affairs and Political Science Professor Steven David as either a professor or colleague. He is the director of the international studies major at Hopkins, the second most popular major after BME. The truth is that David is more than just a professor or colleague. Many are enthralled by his lectures, so often described as vivid, interesting and informative. However, is David really just the man standing in front of the classroom, speaking on contemporary international politics or national security in the nuclear age? Or is there undoubtedly something more behind the professor to whom so many students have looked for inspiration?
Truth be told, as a young boy David once dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot. However, "glasses at age 8 killed that dream" and the "next best thing was being a professor." It isn't quite a jump, because David "was always fascinated with questions of war and peace." His schooling began with a BA, received from Union College in Schenectady, NY during the year 1972. Three years later, Dr. David studied at Stanford University, receiving a Masters in East Asian Studies. In 1978, he received a Masters in Political Science from Harvard University and in 1980, he received his Ph.D.
As author John Steinbeck claims, teaching is a channeling of the human mind and spirit. It is only truly effective when students are receptive to the professor and the professor has a passion for instruction and education. David certainly harbors such passion.
"What I like most about teaching is the enthusiasm and curiosity of the students. I like the feeling after a class when it goes well when I feel I was able to convey insights into critical areas and stimulate thought," he said
However, professors do not spend all day and all night, seven days a week, slaving over syllabi, lecture notes and Power Point presentations. Contrary to popular belief, they do have lives outside of the university. David and his three daughters, ages 17, 15 and 12, like to bike ride during the weekends on the North Central Railroad Trail. Perhaps some Hopkins students who stay in and study every weekend should take some tips from him. Balancing work and fun is pretty key to living the good life.
Many people have their own fantasies about spring vacation and winter break, or perhaps even summer getaways. For David, it seems like "the beach and the woods" are his optimum spots for some good old rest and relaxation. He did mention, though, that the woods are not as appealing as they once were after he "became victim to a chigger attack." A chigger, for those who are unaware, is a tiny, red mite, which is part of the family of spiders, scorpions and ticks. It's safe to assume that a chigger's bite wouldn't be particularly welcome.
For so many undergraduates here at Johns Hopkins University, talk of the "real world" is present everywhere. Some believe that selecting this major and that major will get one a particular job and will be the sole determinant of his or her career. This may be true in some respects, but Prof. David has some advice for students here at the university:
"Study what excites you. Don't worry about where it will lead.
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