Yan Song came to Texas Southmost College from New York, where she has taught economics for nearly a decade. Now she is sharing her expertise with TSC students.
Song was hired in August as TSC’s newest economics instructor and even though she is only teaching online right now, she said she already feels a warm welcome from TSC employees and students alike.
“Everyone has been so helpful during my transition to TSC,” said Song. “I feel like I’m part of a family and I can’t wait for the day that I can join everyone in person.”
The new economics instructor worked as an adjunct microeconomics and macroeconomics instructor at The City University of New York (CUNY), and as a health care economics instructor at William Paterson University in New Jersey.
CUNY is also the institution where she earned her master’s degree and doctorate in economics in 2015.
Born in China, her academic career led her to Japan, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in economics in 2009, before making her journey alone to the United States and gaining employment as an economics research analyst at the New York Branch of the Bank of Japan.
“I only worked at the bank for five months because I was introduced to teaching, and that’s where I wanted to be – in a classroom,” said Song.
She said to this day her favorite part about teaching is watching students have “aha” moments when they begin to truly understand economics and its processes.
“The students is what makes this job so rewarding,” said Song. “Interacting with them, helping them understand economic concepts with real world scenarios and seeing them grow and change is success for me.”
She is most excited about teaching at TSC because of its location along the U.S.-Mexico border.
“The economics in border cities are so unique and hold so much opportunity,” said Song. “The area’s diversity, economic potential and the culture is something special and I want my students to explore that and appreciate it.”
Song said her goal for all her students is success and it starts with removing barriers in such a complex subject.
“I want to provide a great learning experience for my students, one that they can carry with them no matter where they go or decide to study,” she said. “The goal is to encourage them to continue their education, and I realize as an educator that my ultimate goal is to lay the foundation they need for a successful future.”
To learn more about TSC’s academic programs, visit tsc.edu.
Registration for spring 2021 is underway. Classes begin Jan. 18.