With every class she teaches, Sociology Prof. Romana Pires aims to do one thing. 
 
She remembers what it was like to be a student, going back to college in her mid-30s with a "backpack filled with life's ups and downs." Pires said she found "validation and comfort as I immersed myself in sociological perspectives and ideas, many that challenge the status quo. Consequently, my goal when teaching sociology courses is for every student to have at least one personal transformational moment that they will carry in their knapsack as they journey toward their own aspirations." 
 
Born and raised in Prague, Pires was nine years old when her family moved to the United States. She began teaching at San Bernardino Valley College in 2007, and is also the sociology faculty chair. Last spring, she was nominated for and won SBVC's Social Sciences, Human Development & Physical Education Achievement Award. 
 
"I am honored to receive this award, especially since I consider many of the faculty in the division to be my role models," she said.  
 
Pires enjoys working with San Bernardino Valley College's "diverse staff and student population," and says they continuously push her to grow as a person. 
 
"Every semester, students and staff continue to contribute to my own professional and personal development," she said.