The Dearborn Icebreaker

The Dearborn Icebreaker is a Reporter feature designed to help us get to know our UM-Dearborn colleagues. Nominate a colleague to be featured in The Dearborn Icebreaker.

Name: Lisa Remsing
Position: Director of Academic Services for CECS
Years at UM-Dearborn: One Year

What does a typical workday look like for you?
There’s no typical day in my position, which is one of the things I really like about it! On any given day, I advise students on degree requirements, represent CECS at campus meetings and events, and work closely with other departments on academic issues that may arise.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
That’s easy! I most enjoy my interaction with students.

What was your first job?
My first job was when I was 15 years old, bussing tables at a restaurant in my hometown. It was probably the toughest job I’ve ever had.

What do you do to relax?
I love to travel, even if just short weekend trips in Michigan. But closer to home, I relax by walking and listening (probably too loudly) to my iTunes playlist.

If you could have any one skill or talent that you don’t already have, what would it be? 
I’ve always wished that I was more artistic. I would love to be able to paint, draw or create things with my hands.

What’s your definition of a life well lived?
To me, a life well lived is simply being happy. If you are happy with who you are, what you do, and who you surround yourself with, it’s hard to ask for more than that in life.

What’s the proudest moment of your life?
My proudest moment happened just a few months ago when I graduated with my Ph.D. in instructional technology.

If we were to create a UM-Dearborn playlist, what song would you want to include?
This is a tough question! I’d have to say “Beautiful Day” by U2.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
People may be surprised to know that I grew up in a small Northern Michigan town. It was a great place to be a kid. Although I love Metro Detroit, I think my heart remains in a small town.

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were a teenager?
I wish I would have known as a teenager the importance of caring not so much about what other people think, but more about being yourself. I think that’s one of those life lessons that we learn as we get older. Sometimes I still have to remind myself of this!