Victoria R Pasek
Current Employer/Organisation Name
USO and Los Angeles World Airports
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
I went up to London and received a Diploma in the new field of Intellectual Property Law (1987). I briefly worked at a law firm before settling into teaching law in London at Westminster University (PCL). I also moonlighted as a sports (gymnastics) journalist. It took me through Europe at an exciting time when the East was opening. After moving home to California, I had a successful career in academic administration for many years as a registrar, ombudsman and compliance officer. I also taught in the classroom regularly I’m now retired but volunteering at Los Angeles International Airport as a greeter, in addition to giving time to the USO there. I also serve as a volunteer kayak guide on the L.A. River in the summer, and travel when I can.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I fell into teaching accidentally and found it to be a good fit. I used my education well and my graduate students loved the class I taught on the EU. I love teaching… it’s truly touching the future.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
I did ballroom dance, country dance and Ceric dance for fun. I also rode with the horse riding society. We trekked on Dartmoor every year. Loved films with CineSoc!
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
Our classes were small and allowed for lots of interaction. The present day EU was on its way and it was an interesting time. Highlights included our trip to Belgium and Luxembourg, led by Professor Lasik and the satisfaction of seeing the ideas I proposed in my dissertation (Sunday shopping, perfumes available everywhere, a re-classification of what a luxury good night be) come to pass. 24 hour shopping at Sainsburys who would have thought it in 1986?
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
The campus. My fellow students. Our cleaning lady’s wit. The cheese and pickle baps at the Ewe. The setting so gorgeously rural. Teaching aerobics to my classmates. Hearing a late night train through the window of my room on a warm summer night. The summer balls. Playing croquet by the pond. Showing my father the campus when he visited. Ivor Dewney pasties. And so much more. I miss it so.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
I wanted to study EEC law and Exeter came highly recommended.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Critical thinking and wondering what might be.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Be open to any path you might end up on even if you decided to go another way
What are your plans for the future?
I’ll keep doing what I do. Hope to come back to Exeter one day.
