Rubina Jan, who retires on May 16, has always been driven by “a love of lifelong learning and a desire to help people find their passion and path to success via education.” Her undergraduate work at Milton College led to graduate work at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. That led to work in long-term care, then retail, then education and treating others for alcohol and drug misuse as well as mental health.
“My educational experiences include working with Preschool Special Education students, working in School without Walls settings (alternative schools), serving as a tutor, serving women and children who have experienced abuse and trauma, and working to serve the needs of underserved populations, including those involved with the Criminal Justice system and in diversion programs,” Rubina said.
She has been part of the faculty at Blackhawk Technical College and has served as co-advisor for the Multi-Cultural Alliance. Her career at Blackhawk spans close to 40 years.
Experiences
As she looks back, she is thankful for the experiences she has had with students.
“Even when they experience a setback, we help establish the infrastructure that allows learners not to be defeated and find pathways to be successful,” she said. “It is imperative that we remember we need to be a student-ready college that breaks down silos to ensure the best outcomes for our learners.”
Rubina explained she has enjoyed being able to model what it means to be a servant leader.
“To show humility, grace, gratitude and a belief in the inherent dignity of all humans. To serve as a role model for being a citizen scientist, so evidence-based learning and finding common ground are the outcomes no matter the superficial differences,” she said.
Opportunity
The opportunity to meet amazing colleagues and supervisors plus students who have a passion for serving others and making our communities stronger has been memorable and rewarding, Rubina said.
“The students being the most important in terms of being future leaders,” she added.
She has also enjoyed the ability to be a part of the constructive changes the college community has experienced, including the work with the Collegiate Academy and the Wisconsin Technical College System.
Her favorite memory is centered on the students, she shared.
“All the amazing students whose lives I have had the joy of being able to touch in a small way and who have given back so much to our communities and to me personally,” she said.
Rubina called out the number of Blackhawk graduates she came in contact with during some recent health care procedures.
“The number of staff who were Blackhawk graduates was so comforting. The nurse coordinating the surgery was a Blackhawk graduate,” she said.
Looking ahead
Rubina said she will miss working with students, staff and faculty as well as “the joy of discovery and lifelong learning daily.” In retirement, she plans to get some rest and relaxation, do some traveling, spend time with family and friends, read, sleep in, and plant flowers and vegetables.
“I plan to maintain my engagement in community service via volunteer opportunities serving women, children and educational communities–including the college–until I figure out what is the next step in my life journey,” Rubina said. “Currently, I am considering serving as a volunteer for people experiencing breast cancer surgery. And of course, serving underserved communities. As far as pets, all I need to do is to sit on the deck to watch deer, turkeys and all sorts of wildlife in the greenbelt.”
For anyone starting their career at Blackhawk, she said, “Find a good support system, communicate effectively and focus on being an advocate for our learners, showing grace to learners and peers, and model being a lifelong learner.”
That way, Blackhawk can continue to help students feel a sense of belonging and resolve their concerns in a manner that allows them to feel heard and respected, she said.