Denise Apodaca, master instructor with the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance was recently interviewed by NoCo Style for their “Locals” series about her love of teaching, music, and living in Fort Collins. Dr. Apodaca recently spent three years in New York City on a Columbia University fellowship, finishing her doctorate.

What does Dr. Apodoca love most about teaching at Colorado State University? Apadoca, who has won multiple awards at CSU, including the Alumni Association’s “Best Teacher Award,” says it’s her connection to her students and that getting to be her authentic self resonates with them.

“These students are incredible human beings, and I love them. I know about them. I know about their lives. They welcome me into their life, and I welcome them into my life. I think the most important thing is that I don’t try to be anything I’m not. I’ve learned that in this forum. These students don’t care about my degrees, my awards or my medals; they just want the real me. They want to know that what I teach is applicable to their everyday life. That’s what I love the most.”

Read the rest of Dr. Apodoca’s Q&A on NoCoStyle.com.