Black History Month Spotlight: Forming Stronger Connections with George Paasewe

It sounds simple enough. If you have an inspired thought, you should trust it. You should act upon it.

George Paasewe, an adjunct instructor of sociology and career development at our Wisconsin campus, said it is a simple idea that he wishes he and others learned earlier in life.

“Sometimes, we’re not quite sure about those inspired thoughts and we don’t act upon it,” he said. “I’ve learned you need to trust it and act on it, and if you cannot stop thinking about it, don’t stop working for it.”

It is a lesson he carries over to the classroom where students may easily recognize his name. Paasewe is a second-generation instructor at Bryant & Stratton. Many of his students have studied under both his mother, Dr. Dahlene Paasewe, and his father, Dr. Boakai Paasewe, in the Medical Assisting Program at many of the Wisconsin Campuses respectively.

Now, Paasewe says while he walks in his parents’ footsteps, he is also forging his own path for his students to follow.

In doing so, Paasewe says he works towards helping students make the connection between learning and experience. He helps them recognize their strengths and weaknesses and then use those assets to their advantage.

Often that comes in the form of community engagement, an ideal Paasewe said is inspired by W.E.B. DuBois, an African American sociologist, historian, author and activist.

“He committed his life to advocating for social change and inclusion of marginalized community and I’m doing that same work myself,” Paasewe said.

When students engage in co-curricular involvement and community projects, they are provided with a more rich, holistic, collegiate experience, Paasewe said.

“This promotes cultural awareness and individual self-efficacy,” he said. “This allows their impact to be shown in their community and they are able to give back in a very meaningful way.”

Paasewe leads by example as he helps his students advance their personal, career and academic goals in his career development courses.

“In the classroom those experiences are used to help build interpersonal and team-building skills while they learn to form a resume and cover letters,” Paasewe said.

As his students grow and learn, so does Paasewe.

In 2020, Paasewe self-published the book “How Black College Students Learn Code-Switching,” which examines how using the concept of adjusting your speech, behavior or appearance to a situation can help break down communication barriers between cultures.

Now he teaches his students how code-switching can be used positively to connect with other people. He has given lectures about the topic to colleges and organizations across the nation.

Paasewe also recently opened a publishing company called The Code Switcher which aims to help authors through the often-confusing world of book writing. The company offers e-classes that teach students how to write and publish a book.

Paasewe said he based the courses on the obstacles he faced when he published his book. His goal is to make the process less intimidating and difficult.

“It doesn’t have to be that way. I want to help others and prevent those stumbling blocks,” he said.

The extra work energizes him in the classroom.

“My passion is meeting my purpose,” he said. “In both roles I’m providing education, I’m helping others advance their personal and career goals. It’s a win-win for me.”

Learn more about The Code Switcher at thecodeswitcherllc.com.