Akim Golubev

Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I am an immigrant and a refugee. When I first arrived in the US, I spoke no English and decided to improve my basic communication skills by attending a community college. Throughout this journey, I discovered that teaching is my calling and ethical responsibility because I want to give back to my community. Now, as a UNLV's College of Liberal Arts nominee for the university-wide Outstanding Teaching Award, I believe I am on the path to fulfilling my purpose as an educator.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My students often surround me after a class session, willing to continue discussions. I treasure those moments because they indicate how I manage to inspire thinking. My favorite episode involves discussions about the idea of how Mary Shelley invents television in "Frankenstein." Every time I talk about the Creature observing the De Lacey family through a crevice in a wall, my students get excited by the possibilities of how literary analyses can yield unexpected results.

What would you do with the $25,000?

First, I would donate a portion of the prize to non-profits that help Ukrainian refugees. I would use the remaining funds to continue my volunteer work, as I currently teach refugees English for free online. And of course, I'd buy presents for my wife and children. My cats also need treats :)