Arcades and Academia
Welcome back to another episode of Nostalgia Street, where we dive into the stories that shape up. This time, Vince and Jeff had the pleasure of chatting with Steve Horan, taking us on nostalgic conversation about arcade dreams, childhood antics, and rocking '80s tunes. So, buckle up and let's rewind the cassette tape on this rad episode!
Steve, our guest of honor, kicked off the show reminiscing about the golden era of arcade gaming. When asked about his dream live-action arcade game, Steve didn't hesitate: Galaga all the way! From fending off alien invaders to dodging asteroid showers, Steve's childhood memories came flooding back.
With the arcade chatter revving our engines, Vince and Jeff dug deeper into Steve's past, uncovering tales of mischief. From growing up with a pesky sister to roaming the hills armed with a trusty BB gun (Green Army men, beware!), Steve's childhood adventures painted a picture of Black Hawk bliss. Steve also shared his love of rock music. Def Leppard, Journey, and Night Ranger concerts? Steve's been there, done that, and bought the tour shirt!
As the conversation veered towards '80s music, Steve's playlist prowess took center stage. From Def Leppard's high-octane anthems to obscure gems like Oingo Boingo's "Dead Man's Party," And who could forget the iconic image of Def Leppard's Pyromania album cover? It's etched in Steve's memory like a vinyl groove, ready to spin into the future.
Steve recounts his journey after graduating and his eventual transition into teaching at the University of Sioux Falls (USF). Initially, he landed a job at Mutual of Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska, after marrying his wife and moving from their hometowns in South Dakota. However, the pull of their home state remained strong, leading them to settle in Sioux Falls in 1991.
Steve’s professional journey took him through various roles in the insurance industry, including stints at Midland National Life, CNA Surety, and Lloyd Companies. Along the way, he pursued further education, obtaining his master's degree in '99 and his CPA certification. Despite finding success in his accounting career, Steve felt a longing for something more fulfilling, reigniting his passion for the college atmosphere.
His love for education led him to pursue teaching opportunities. Initially teaching classes at Colorado Technical University as an adjunct, Steve discovered his affinity for teaching. This eventually led to an offer for a full-time position at CTU, a transition that happened smoothly and unexpectedly.
Reflecting on his journey, Steve expresses gratitude for the diverse experiences and meaningful connections forged throughout his career. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, his decision to embrace change and pursue his passion for teaching has brought him fulfillment and a renewed sense of purpose.
Stay tuned for the next part of Steve 's story as he delves deeper into his role at USF and the impact of teaching on his life.
As they discuss memorable student-teacher interactions, Steve shares a humorous anecdote about a student's elaborate excuse for missing class, highlighting the challenges educators face in discerning truth from fiction. The conversation then shifts to the impact of technology, particularly AI, on academia and student learning.
Addressing the evolving landscape of education, Steve acknowledges the rising costs of college and the changing perceptions of its value in the workforce. He also touches on the controversial topic of name-image likeness (NIL) in college sports, expressing concerns about its potential effects on student-athletes' priorities and education.
The discussion broadens to encompass societal trends, including the decline of critical thinking skills and the influence of social media on information consumption. Steve emphasizes the importance of faith, ethics, and the Golden Rule in guiding behavior and fostering respectful communication, both in academia and beyond.
Wrapping up the episode on a reflective note, Steve encourages listeners to prioritize empathy, integrity, and open dialogue in their interactions, emphasizing the significance of treating others with dignity and respect.
Overall, the conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of education, athletics, technology, and ethics, prompting listeners to contemplate their own roles in shaping a more compassionate and intellectually engaged society.
Connect With Steve
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