20 Questions with Mia Liza A. Lustria

1. What was your first job?
   Instructor at the University of the Philippines Los Banos. I was hired right after graduating from college. The opportunity essentially fell into my lap – later I learned I got the job because someone had started a rumor that another department was trying to hire me first. I was very fortunate to have great mentors who believed in me. I’ve been in academe since then 🙂
2. If you were to write a personal memoir, what would you name it?
   “Chill, Laugh, Live”
3. Where did you grow up?
   I spent most of my growing up years in the Philippines but when I was very young my family lived in Minnesota for a few years – so yes, this explains my “Filipino-Midwestern accent” and why I prefer warmer climes – LOL.
4. What is your favorite class you’ve taught?
   Intro to eHealth because we get to explore lots of cool ways technology can be used for health education and promotion. We invite expert panelists for an eHealth Project Extravaganza at the end of the semester and I’m always so proud to show off how creative and clever my students are.
5. What is your favorite place to grab dinner in Tallahassee? 
   We’re not picky – anywhere we can get the family together. My youngest son is quite popular at the Chinese Buffet on Thomasville – they cook a fresh batch of chicken wings just for him every time we’re there.
6. What are your hobbies outside of work?
   dancing; taking candid photos (watch out); starting knitting projects (have a dozen half-finished ones); watching crime and spy shows (everything CSI, NCIS, etc.); Zumba
7. Have you always wanted to teach? 
   When I was younger I imagined myself being a stewardess or doctor. So, it’s not like I had my eye specifically on a teaching career when I was getting my bachelor’s. But my father was a university professor, my mom was a science teacher and we lived in a university town, so you can say I didn’t know any different. Neither did I know I’d start teaching so soon after getting my undergraduate degree or that I’d still be teaching 25 years after. I must be good at it???
8. What is your favorite place you’ve traveled to or where would you like to go? 
   The Philippines of course — not only for the obvious reason that my family is there but also because this small archipelago still has numerous beautiful nooks and crannies that we have yet to explore. Also, I’ve never been to Europe yet – someday, maybe.
9. How many football games have you attended? 
   Will you hate me if I said none? This is a sad gap in my education, but somebody needs to explain to me what a “down” is.
10. Proudest career/life moment? 
    Proudest career moment thus far – getting tenure at FSU and finally convincing myself that I’m an expert in my field. Life moments – giving birth to my children – miracles every one of them.
11. What’s your favorite band?
    Train and Maroon 5. I also like listening to Adele, Sheryl Crowe, John Legend, Sam Smith…
12. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
    That’s hard – too many. Here’s the gist “Learn to CHILL, LAUGH often, LIVE in the now. Mind like water.” Easier said than done.
13. If money were no object, how would you spend your days?
    Long vacations with my family –we have a HUGE extended family 🙂
14. What is your favorite book and why? 
    One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish- what’s not to love about  Seuss? I read all his books to my kids.
15. If you could be famous for something, what would it be?
    I don’t care about being famous. I’d rather be remembered for having made a difference (even a small one) in someone’s life.
16. What Jeopardy category could you clear, no problem?
    I’ve never played Jeopardy but I’m really good at Clue! It was Mrs. Peacock in the Conservatory with the Lead Pipe!
17. Do you have any pets?
    We have a miniature schnauzer that looks like an unkempt terrier – poor Daisy.
18. When did you start working at Florida State University?
    2005
19. What was the last movie you saw in theaters? 
    That’s sad – I’m not sure – it might’ve been The Hobbit – Desolation of Smaug. I usually watch whatever my kids like. Thank goodness for Netflix.
20. What is the best part about your job?
    It keeps me on my toes. Teaching is a challenging profession – frustrating at times – but every day presents an opportunity to learn and do something new/different and to make a difference in someone’s life.

 

’20 Questions with CCI’ brings faculty and staff from the College of Communication & Information into a new light. Learn more about your favorite professors – their hobbies, interests and favorite Tally places.

Do you know someone at CCI you’d like to see featured? Submit their names to kate.mullen@cci.fsu.edu.