Check out Dr. Swick's ratings on ratemyprofessors.com:

 

http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/ShowRatings.jsp?tid=500928

 

 

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Student Comments in Course Summaries

 

 “Dr. Molly Swick made me remember the wonderful aspects of teaching, renewed my faith in myself, inspired me to make educating exciting and empowered me to find enough focus to finish my novel. She made me find humor in the world, and renewed my confidence in myself. I fully expected to enjoy the class—but I did not expect to change.

 

I can’t believe how much I feel I’ve grown because of this class. I will carry with me the knowledge that I carry power as an individual and should keep reaching toward new heights, as I also reach down to help lift up others. Molly, I cannot thank you enough for the gifts you have given me.” Rachel  – EPFE 201 (2015)

 

"As an Hispanic girl I see [Molly's class] as empowering to both my American and Mexican culture." Maria - EPFE 201 (2016)

 

"I really think this class has helped me prepare for my future, its taught me that my voice matters and that it has to be heard for change to happen. Its taught me how to be a better teacher to my future students, its taught me ways to become a better human." - David - EPFE 201 (2017)

 

"I just finished her intro to public health class and if I hadn't finally been accepted into a nursing college I was 100% ready to change my major to public health because of her. Her lectures feel very personal even though there were 200 other students." Rate My Professor - PHHE 295 (2016)

 

“Through invigorating discussion and passionate demonstration, the experience of taking this course was exceptionally liberating and spiritually fulfilling. Being a student of political science, I often find my coursework debating a vast array of social issues. However, it is rare that I get to express my own insight and critical analysis on the subject of study. The collaboration amongst my fellow classmates, as well as the inclusive, creativity-inspiring instruction collectively created a classroom environment enriched by support, empathy, and curiosity.

 

This class has inspired me to further my understanding of humanity, seek potential opportunities for social change, and to employ as much advocacy in role as Student Body President here at NIU. Serving in this capacity, I would like to offer you my most sincere sense of gratitude for your unwavering dedication to social justice, your study, and the collective and profound effect you inspire to our university’s student body. Your instruction was captivating and this was exceptionally fulfilling. It is an ardent hope of mine to study with you again before I graduate this May.” Nathan -  EPFE 490 (2015)

 

"I am not exaggerating when I say that this is the best class I’ve ever taken. Having a space during this semester where I felt like there was no judgement was so important to me. Hearing the stories from everyone else in the class has helped open my mind to other people’s experiences and how they have gotten to this place in their lives." Emily - EPFE 201 (2016)

 "The last thing that stood out from you was how you went out of your way to show your appreciation to others. The first and most noticeable act was the walk to the NIU shooting memorial to show your condolences and how you went out and bought roses so every student could show their compassion if they chose to. That is the type of kindness that is hard to find and I will always have respect for that." Christian – EPFE 201 (2017)

 

 

"As I entered the doors of the first day in EPFE with Dr. Swick, I had no idea that what I was going to experience was going to be as life-changing as it was. I was specifically told to take

EPFE 201 with Molly Swick, but I did not know exactly why. On the last day of the class, it was very clear as to why. This was the best class I have ever had during the four years I have studied at NIU.

 

Regarding my general feelings about this course, I feel that it was an amazing class. It gave students an overview of what social justice really is and gave students the freedom to learn in a feminist, student centered, diverse, positive, and safe learning environment. The biggest achievements were that teaching us that learning can be fun once again as well as handing us back our hope for a better future and our dignity that had been trampled by previous professors." Xavier - EPFE 201 (2016)

 

 

“All in all, I feel Molly’s, ‘Education as an Agent for Change’ class is a gem in the sand that I was fortunate to stumble upon due to its good reviews online” Ken  – EPFE 201 (2015)

 

"All I can say is, thank you Molly for teaching such an amazing class that has undoubtedly changed my outlook on life forever. All of the information you provided us with was greatly appreciated and I am so glad to have had the opportunity to bask in your teaching presence. Thank you." Robin – EPFE 201 (2017)

 

 

“First off I want to say that you are one of my favorite teachers that I have had at NIU. Not just because you made the class the way it was, but that your aim was to enlighten our minds with the good in the world and what needs to be done to change the bad.” Jacob  – EPFE 201 (2015)

 

“I will never forget what I have learned from EPFE, this course has taught me to become an overall better person by continuing to learn about different problems that arise in the media and informing others on current issues that affect our society.

 

From taking EPFE for the last two summer semesters I wouldn’t want anything to change in this course. I wanted the class to go on for five hours because I wanted to continue discussions and watch more of the clips that were shown. I’ve kept every PowerPoint that was posted and I plan to show them to my family. I was glad I was able to meet everyone in the Swick family and also learn more about what can be done every day in order to help not only myself but others in my life.” Jerry - EPFE 490 (2015)

 

"Overall, I loved this class so much. Molly you are an AMAZING teacher and human being. I am at a loss of words for the amount of love and care and passion you have for your students and everyone/ everything around you. I wish there were more people/ professors like you. You have honestly become one of my greatest role models. You are so open minded and just have a love and understanding for everything and everyone. It is humbling and breath taking and I pray to God that I can come close to what you are. You honestly amazed me and I am so HAPPY that I took this class. Please never give up on what you believe and never lose your love for life because it is truly inspiring and life changing. You are definitely a teacher and this is definitely a course I will never forget for the rest of my life!" - Peyton – EPFE 201 (2017)

 

“Since you were such an awesome teacher I plan to take some health/education classes in the future just to experience such amazing teachings again and re-experience such a motivating learning environment. I just want to thank you for such a memorable first semester experience at NIU. I hope your mother gets better and for you to stay the loving, caring, pulchritudinous person you are! Molly you are a true diamond and a great role model! Thank you again!” Cherelle  - EPFE 201 (2015)

 

“I have never had a teacher that can care so much about every single person in her class and that is what made this class great, the fact that no one was left out. You were able to engage every student and have 100% participation which is rare in class.” Zakyrah - EPFE 201 (2015)

 

“You've taught me that ignoring problems is a threat to our democracy to not be passive consumers and that social justice education is opportunity!

 

You've been my most inspirational and just the best teacher I've had. I will never forget you or this class thanks again for this experience because it has been great. Honestly wished it was longer. I’ve suggested your class to many people so you will have more student athletes in your classes now.” Johnson - EPFE 201 (2015)

 

"Molly, you taught me to never give up on what you believe in and no matter how many people try to knock you down or discourage you, keep on going. Most of the course was beneficial and I have very little criticism to offer as this course was my favorite one of the semester… It’s very rare in college to find a professor that cares enough about her students and is willing to listen to their beliefs and life stories. When I opened up to you about my brother and you came to me in class and talked to me about it, I have never felt more appreciated and loved by an adult other than my family. Like you said, you can’t always reach out and change everybody but I hope you know you reached out to me and I’ll always remember that. Thank you for everything and I hope to see you around campus and maybe take some more of your classes!" Mackenzie – EPFE 201 (2017)

 

“This class was an immensely supportive platform in reaffirming my values. After 16 years of being talked down to, this class helped me reawaken my passions as a learner and inspire my motivation as a person to use my improvements for everyone’s benefit. I felt safe, confident, and happy in every session, even though the topics were sometimes uncomfortable. But as you kept reminding us, I learned to become comfortable with the uncomfortable.

 

Most of all, what I want to say in this paper is thank you. Thank you for acting like a human being and treating us all as individuals. Thank you for being a beacon of light, truth, and strength in uncertain times and showing us what education should be like. You are an exemplary educator and I am truly honored to have had you as a teacher. I now have the self-assurance to stand firm in what is right and wrong in this confusing world. I may not have the courage to go out and start a rally for equality and march down the streets of DeKalb with hopefully hundreds of others and speak out against our oppressors just yet, but I now know how, where, and when to start.”Amy - EPFE 201 (2015)

"I loved the most about Dr. Molly that she is a healer. She has a lot of things in her life but she will never hesitate to help a student with any issue. Dr. Molly and my classmates never made me feel that I’m a stranger or an international student. Dr. Molly gave me the chance to share my personal stories and they felt where I come from. Dr. Molly went beyond all the expectation of help and helped me a lot." Ali – EPFE 201 (2016)

“One of the main reasons I took this course was because a friend of mine took it before had strongly suggested it. He said, and this is a real quote, ‘Molly Swick is dope as fuck’. After the course, I definitely agree.” Bryan - EPFE 201 (2015)

 

The following email was received in August 2015:

 

"Good evening Molly! I was a student in your EPFE course a few years back at NIU and I just wanted to let you know that I am forever grateful for you. My name is Danika (nickname Nikki). You helped me get thru a very difficult moment in my life and introduced me to Ms. Lametra Curry. You probably don't remember me, but I wanted to let you know that I'll always remember you and your support thru that life-changing event. I pray for you and my hope is that God blesses you in a special way for what you've done. You gave me hope and renewed faith in the humanity of the predominantly white faculty I've encountered that didn't want to understand the impact of their compassion during extenuating circumstances that almost caused me to give up. You helped me to find strength and not see myself as just another black kid with problems. You made me feel human and I am so thankful. I love you with the love of God and will keep you in my prayers. Peace & blessings

 

Danika  – EPFE 201 (2012)