HFC welcomes John Patrick, who shows students there is beauty in mathematics
Mathematics instructor John Patrick sees real beauty in math.
“I’ve always had an affinity for mathematics. It’s the only subject you have to study so you can realize its beauty. You don’t have to study music theory to know music is beautiful. With mathematics, the more you dive into it, the more its beauty reveals itself. I’ve always loved mathematics, and have always been drawn to it,” he explained.
Patrick is teaching Intermediate Algebra and Mathematics for the Modern World.
"We are excited to have John in the Math Department,” said Mathematics Faculty Chair Scott Barnett. “His background and energy will be a great addition."
“Careers in mathematics are generally computers and teaching. I’ve always loved interacting with people, but I don’t love computers,” said Patrick. “When I was working toward my master’s degree, I was a graduate assistant. I discovered how much I loved teaching, and here we are.”
Studied at EMU with fellow HFC instructor Jesse Mason
The middle of three and the only son, Patrick was born in Marquette. He lives in Ypsilanti with his wife, Robin McCarry, who is a dietician.
Patrick is an alumnus of Marquette Senior High School. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from Eastern Michigan University.
While at EMU, when he was living in Goddard Hall, Patrick met current HFC physics and astronomy instructor Jesse Mason. Patrick and Mason learned they both played guitar, and they began a lifelong friendship.
“Jesse told me how much he loves teaching at HFC. His enthusiasm rubbed off on me,” said Patrick.
“John is one of the most hardworking and creative people I have met,” said Mason. “As his housemate, I watched him go into ‘monk mode’ countless times, listening to jazz and doing mathematics for hours and hours on end, stopping only to switch albums. Even now, when I read or hear the word ‘scholar,’ my brain flashes to a picture of John studying mathematics.”
Providing a bridge to the next step in the lives of students
Patrick has taught at the college level since 2010. He taught at EMU, Washtenaw Community College, and Oakland Community College.
“We are pleased to welcome John, who brings 15 years of teaching experience to the College,” said Dean Janice Gilliland of the HFC School of STEM. “He has a strong commitment to student success and is eager to collaborate with colleagues to enhance learning opportunities. As a member of a three-person grant team, he will play a key role in planning the integration of active learning strategies into our math classrooms, helping to shape a more engaging and supportive experience for our students.”
Patrick values the student experience at HFC.
“I find the students are goal-oriented at a community college. I like the smaller community where you get to know everybody,” he said. “We serve students of all backgrounds, and we provide a bridge to the next step in their lives and careers. HFC might be the only option for them to transition to the ‘next big thing’ in their lives.”
For Patrick, working with young people keeps him young.
“Teaching is more than a job. I wouldn’t be teaching math if I weren't genuinely passionate about it,” he explained. “The challenge of teaching is seeing people from every educational background possible, and you have to be prepared to meet them where they are. Many people don't like math, so you have to try find a way to make them realize it will be helpful in their lives and it can be fun!” And beautiful.