Lorraine Murphy smiles with her husband, Professor of Mathematics David Murphy, and their two children. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to students?

Work hard but be creative and be yourself at the same time. Don’t try to be a cookie-cutter student. Find the approach to the work that really fires your interest and follow that.

What book are you reading right now?

I just finished “Double Cross: The True Story of the D-Day Spies” by Ben McIntyre. It was excellent.

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I’m awfully boring!

What is one of the funniest moments you had while teaching?

One of my Great Books students made a comparison between Dante’s “Inferno” and “Star Wars” that had us all laughing. I love it when students make connections I never would have seen.

What is your favorite word and why?

Discernment, because I love what it implies about careful attention and a thoughtful approach to reality.

Who is the person you look up to most?

My mother, because she raised four children and taught us to work hard and have fun. I have two of my own now, so I’m beginning to understand how hard that is.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I’m a pretty good bread-baker. Or, getting my picky kids to eat — that’s an impressive talent.

If you were to write a book, what would it be about?

It would have something to do with metaphor, or the way literature represents the spiritual dimension, the unseen.

What never fails to make you laugh?

The jokes my 2-year-old makes up. They aren’t funny, which is why they’re so hilarious.

What do you wish you had learned sooner?

I’m still learning to remain calm and not get caught up in momentary worries. This is a lifelong project.

What trait most defines who you are?

I’m perpetually anxious, so that makes me a control freak. But it also means I try to encourage others because I know how easy it is to be unsure of ourselves.

How have your students influenced you as a teacher?

The energy and joy they bring to learning — specifically to reading and thinking about great books — inspires me every day.

What is a book that everyone should avoid?

Anything by Ayn Rand.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Exchanging ideas with students. It’s the best.