Dear Editor,

Richmond Community College is losing a GEM.

When I heard of the retirement of Professor John Robich I was saddened. Professor Robich has been a Motivator, a Mentor and most of all, he defines what an educator should be.

I am a proud graduate of RCC Human Services c/o 2003. When I first met Professor Robich, I was an insecure student. I was a high school drop-out, a teen mom and had no serious plans for my future. However, my life changed when I met John Robich. He believed in me, inspired me and pointed out to me, as he does to all of his students, my strengths.

Anyone who has been through the Human Services Program and has continued their educational ventures into undergraduate or even graduate studies can rest assured, we know our stuff! When I started to believe in myself and develop the skills and knowledge through my educational journey at RCC, I had a newfound outlook on life. With the support and encouragement of Professor Robich, Mrs. Steele and Mr. Auman, I am now a graduate of RCC, UNC Pembroke and I am currently completing graduate school for a master’s degree in Counseling.

I would have NEVER made it without my Human Services education and the empowerment that I got from Professor Robich.

The real life experiences, compassion and techniques that he taught carry me through daily in my career as a Case Manager working with children and families. The knowledge and educational foundation I received at RCC is what I draw from now as a graduate student.

I am sure that the Human Services Program will continue to be a success at RCC, however, I am so very thankful that I was able to attend and graduate under the tenure of Professor John Robich.

You will never know how much you changed my life for the better. I have a successful and rewarding career and will soon have reached a goal that YOU believed I could accomplish. Enjoy your retirement. You will also be my mentor.

April Cowick

Rockingham