by Jessica Woods
Walking into a class for the first time can be intimidating for any student. What is my instructor going to be like? What are the expectations for this course going to be? So, imagine the added burden of having a disability such as blindness.
I am one of those students. Yes, those things run through my mind as well. But, I also have questions concerning my blindness. Foremost in my mind is the question is this instructor going to work with me? Many instructors meet my needs, but some stand out as going above and beyond the call of duty. One of those instructors is Judy Golding.
Golding is an instructor in the philosophy department. She teaches a variety of subjects on both the Milton and Pensacola campuses. She has a degree in interdisciplinary humanities with an emphasis on philosophy. She has a love for her field of study that is beneficial to her students.
I have taken her for two courses, logic and philosophy. I have immensely enjoyed both classes. She takes the time to explain the material in a way that the students can relate to.
Since I am blind, I walked in wondering what she could offer me. She gave me more than I could have hoped for. Not only did she provide the accommodations that I needed, she did much more. She took the time to explain things in ways that I could relate to. Due to my blindness, I look at some things differently than most people. Golding realized that, and worked with me to bring those ideas out. When I would get frustrated because I didn’t understand something, she would not give up. Nor, would she let me. As a result, I walked out of her class with a new understanding about myself and the world around me.
So, Golding is a great teacher who cares more about just grades. She cares about her students. If at all possible, I highly recommend you take her for at least one class while attending PJC. Chances are, you won’t regret it.