Kris Clarke is a social work researcher at California State University, Fresno, and a docent at the University of Tampere and University of Helsinki, Finland. Her research centers around social and cultural diversity and health care. Before joining the panel at a Zócalo/The California Wellness Foundation event, “Are Valley Communities Giving Up on Government?” Clarke talked about swimming, Russian literature, and eating ice cream with her grandmother.
Where and when did you learn how to swim?
I learned in Fresno, California, with my mother in the backyard swimming pool.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Nail biting.
What teacher or professor changed your life, if any?
Lena Lencek at Reed College. She taught Russian literature, and she was a fabulous professor and just opened up possibilities.
On what device do you do most of your reading?
A paper book.
What question do your own students most often ask you?
Can I turn the paper in late?
What’s your happiest childhood memory?
Sitting with my grandmother, eating an ice cream and watching Room 222. It was a school sitcom back in the 60s … that’s what we did Friday nights.
What profession would you like to practice in your next life?
Dog trainer.