Caterpillar Professor of Business Law Tanya Marcum is a proud first-generation student and talented quilter.

1. IF YOU WERE THE MAIN CHARACTER IN A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING IN THE FIRST SCENE?

I have always wanted to be a lawyer. I worked for the Internal Revenue Service as in-house legal counsel for almost 10 years. I flew around the country teaching tax changes to the law to revenue agents, revenue officers and special agents. I really liked that part of my job. It was kind of an a-ha moment to go into academics.

2. HOW DOES YOUR FIRST YEAR OF TEACHING COMPARE TO YOUR MOST RECENT?

My first year of teaching, my eyes were wide open. I was trying to take everything in, and I felt overwhelmed. It was interesting to try to take my real-world experiences and bring them into the classroom. Now, I feel so comfortable walking into class. I could walk in with just a piece of paper with some notes on it if I wanted to because I’m so used to speaking in front of students. I’m also department chair. I understand a little bit more about what happens behind the scenes, i.e., budgeting and class schedules for not just what I would like my classes to be, but everybody in the department and how that flows with everybody in the college.

3. HOW HAS TEACHING INFLUENCED YOUR PERCEPTION OF FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS?

It’s opened my eyes to what first-year students need to have. Because I didn’t have any mentors when I was in school, I try to be a mentor for the students and really explain my assignments and expectations. I think that’s valuable. Our first-generation students, they’re not even sure what office hours even are. I had to explain to them, ‘It means you can come in. My door’s open. Come see me.’ They require a little bit more care because they’re unsure of themselves a little. I have to address some of that imposter syndrome and try to make them feel comfortable to be curious in the classroom.

4. WHAT EXCITES YOU FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR FIELD OF WORK?

I think every aspect of every person’s job has a legal component to it. I’m teaching business law classes, and students need to be aware that everything they do at work has a legal and an ethical implication. We never thought of legal compliance 10 years ago, but now there are so many jobs out there requiring a legal background, where making sure the laws are being followed is all the person does.

5. HOW DOES QUILTING WEAVE A ROLE IN YOUR LIFE?

It’s my stress reliever. I can sit and relax, I can weave some fabric together or stitch it in front of the TV if I have hand stitching. Then I look at my work on the wall of my office and get to have another little Zen moment.