It’s easy for me to write about…well, me. But let’s hear what some of my past professors have to say.

I would be remiss If I didn’t note that I have been blessed to have been taught by some of the nation’s best; many who have left an everlasting impression and taught me lessons–both academic and practical– that I still utilize everyday. Thanks.

Carmen Cookson
5th grade math
Apperson Elementary

“How many lives he has touched and has changed.”

I’ve known Randy since 1988 when I was fortunate to have him as a student. After 45 years of teaching it isn’t possible to remember all of your students however, there are some that make a definite impression on you and that you will not forget. Randy is one of them. An excellent student, responsible and reliable. What impressed me the most was his sense of humor and his creativity. He continues to impress me with what he is doing now. How many lives he has touched and has changed. He is a true humanitarian.

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Patricia Houston
Spanish professor
Pima College

“He is the student that justified my teaching career.”

An infectious spirit of fun and adventure, a profound curiosity about the world and all of its individual stories, and the extraordinary gifts of communication in multiple languages, media and modalities, only begin to describe Randy. He also brings a laser focus to the mastery of any task at hand. In my classes, his spirit inspired the other students and his focus on learning kept me on my toes. He is the student that justified my teaching career. And now, years later as I follow him on his trek around the world through his blogs and posts, I feel like I am right there with him, learning more about the world and all of its stories. And loving that infectious spirit all over again.

Cynthia Lancaster
Photo journalism
Pima College

“He interacted well with his diverse fellow classmates, and remained friendly and modest even after they learned he was the R Dub of ‘Slow Jams’ fame.”

Randy had already caught the travel bug seven years ago when he enrolled in my reporting and photojournalism classes at Pima Community College in Tucson. He had visited Brazil several times, and learned Portuguese so he could better interact with locals.

As part of his photojournalism semester project, I helped him pare striking images from throughout the country down to photos spotlighting one specific Brazilian beach.

Despite being very busy, he managed his time efficiently and earned an “A” in each class. He interacted well with his diverse fellow classmates, and remained friendly and modest even after they learned he was the R Dub of “Slow Jams” fame.

We’ve kept in touch via social media, and I’ve enjoyed following his Ramblin’ Randy blog. His attributes, such as an eye for detail and a unique writing voice, have served him well and make him an excellent choice for the New York Times travel writing opportunity.

“Creative, honest and adventurous.”

Randy’s willingness to see what is important and then act is a true character asset he possesses. His verbal skills and social popularity have served him well.