Category: Lead On!

Jeff Foster

12/20/2017

My name is Jeff Foster and I am currently a technologist for LabCorp in the Molecular Genetics department. I majored in forensic science and general biology in college at Western Carolina University, and during my time there, I spent nearly 3 years of it as an RA. That time helped me build confidence in a leadership role, which has helped me a ton in my professional role. I always step up to take lead on new projects presented to our department as well as serve as the main trainer for new techs in the department. This lead to me recently being recognized for my leadership by being awarded the Laboratorian of the year Award. As an RA, you feel like you have to be ready for anything and everything because you never know what would happen. Because if this, I learned that as long as you are calm, communicate effectively, and use critical thinking, you can handle anything thrown at you. In your profession, whatever it may be, you will undoubtedly encounter situations in which you are not entirely prepared, but will be able to use the same skills to manage those situations.
My advise for someone in a science field is to never be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes because that's the only way you will learn. Take advantage of new projects and keep trying if things do not work the first time. If you truly have a passion for what you do, it will not go unnoticed and you will be rewarded.

Kriston Haynes

11/6/2017

My name is Kriston Haynes and I am a proud alumnus of Western Carolina University and Piedmont College. During my time there as a student, I was involved in many organizations that helped me grow personally and professionally. My studies and activities all helped me become who I am today and make me a better teacher for the state of North Carolina.

Some of my most memorable moments were working with peers and mentors in the Department of Residential Living. They were my family and I learned so much from them that has translated into other aspects of my life. I gained new skills on how to be creative, how to confront issues, and how to work with a community of partners to create a better place for everyone.

The best advice I could give anyone is to get involved in an organization that you care about and will help you grow. Try out anything that interests you or maybe you haven't experienced before. That's the beauty of college! Get out there and try new things because opportunities like that are hard to come by once you leave school and the lessons you learn from them will carry you a long way.

Kelsey Richardson

10/26/2017

My name is Kelsey Richardson, and I’m currently a reporter in the gorgeous valley town of Andrews, N.C. I write for two community newspapers, the Cherokee Scout and Andrews Journal. On a daily basis you can find me interviewing people, writing stories and chasing down the latest scoop–literally. My articles range from hard news to exposing the interesting lives of local residents.

A year and a half ago I earned my B.A. in mass communication and minor in biology from Georgia College & State University. While attending college, I worked as a CA (the cooler version of an RA) for three years at the university’s apartments. I kicked off my job by taking charge of around 60 freshmen residents, which slowly progressed into approximately 90 residents by my last year as a CA.

I developed a myriad of skills while working as a CA, which in turn have strengthened my abilities as a reporter. For years I had to gain the attention of dozens of residents, convincing them to fill out surveys, attend meetings and show up to events. It’s safe to say earning 100 percent survey feedback from over 90 residents was quite the daunting task. As a CA I learned how to politely confront residents and somehow convince them to do what I wanted–most of the time. As a reporter I complete similar tasks including interviewing people and getting in contact with strangers.

My advice for current CAs/RAs would be to take a chance and step out of your comfort zone. Sometimes the places less traveled lead to exciting experiences and developing a wealth of connections. Not knowing anyone in North Carolina, I took a risk and accepted my current job. Additionally, before becoming a reporter, I worked as an editorial intern in Hong Kong for a summer. I’ve without a doubt grown in my career field and as a person because I stepped beyond my comfort zone.

Brittany Foster

8/16/2017

My name is Brittany and I currently process and underwrite Crop Insurance with American Farm Bureau Insurance Services. Our regional office services 6 different Farm Bureau states and our home office services 12 Midwestern states. Crop insurance is important because it provides a safe guard for farmers in the events of weather, low production and other perils. For some of these farmers, the added security of insurance for their crops provides them the ability to care for their families without worrying about losing all the income poured into their farming operation. In result, a lot of the Insurance agents we deal with have personal relationships with these farmers so when we talk with them, we talk with the farmer. Being a Resident Assistant in college helped me hone my skills for dealing with individuals when it comes to matters that may be personal or important to them. This is such a crucial skill in our field as we provide a service that can impact an individual’s livelihood. I look back at all the one on one conversations I had with my residents and I am always amazed to see how those techniques still apply to my role today.

If there was one thing I would want anyone to know about going into a field similar to mine is that when it comes to something so personal like their livelihood, a little kindness goes a long way. A lot of time you come in contact with agents that are struggling with paperwork or don't understand the process of a claim and taking the time to be patient and kind with them helps make that phone call productive and pleasant. Kindness is something that you can bring into any field. So don't be afraid to lend a helping hand or offer a smile. You never know what that may mean to someone.

Stephanie Newton

7/27/2017

Hello, my name is Stephanie Newton!

One of my favorite Broadway show tunes proudly proclaims the line "but it's in the detour that we truly find our way."

Choosing to attend Converse College, a women’s college that had only been on my radar for a month before committing to enroll, was one of those major detours that started me on this crazy journey. Once there, I was encouraged to try anything that appealed to me, empowering me to be impactful and diverse in my interests and activities. I was the chairperson for a community service organization, served in student government, worked as a residential advisor, studied ecotourism in the Galápagos Islands, and even spent three years as a synchronized swimmer.

After earning my Bachelor’s degree in biology, my life continued to take detours into a job as a zookeeper, which led to work in conservation education and field research, which somehow transformed into work designing and leading tours in the tourism capital of the United States: Orlando, Florida. During this journey, I was able to increase my versatility and ability to learn on the job as I performed roles as diverse as training giraffes, teaching summer camp, leading tours, and serving craft beers. For four years, I was even paid to ride roller coasters at Disney World!

To take on these varied roles, I’ve moved across cities, across the United States, and most recently, across the world. I took a crazy chance, applied for a working holiday visa in New Zealand, sold my belongings, and bought a one-way plane ticket to a country I’d never even visited. Oh, and I moved here by myself. I spent four months wwoofing, where one works short-term on family farms or small organic industries in exchange for room and board. My adventures included maintaining a yoga and meditation bed and breakfast, packaging organic seeds, picking feijoa fruit, and getting head butted by an incredibly obstinate sheep. Most recently, my travels have led me to Queenstown, where I’m working in a hotel, and doing my best to learn how to snowboard without breaking myself.

Don’t ever let yourself be limited to a certain job title, no matter what your degree declares your area of expertise to be. Be willing to do what you need to in order to make your life what you want. Every role can teach you something that can be applied to a future role. Years of supplemental income from working in restaurants not only gave me the financial means to embark on this incredible overseas journey, but it also gave me applicable skills to find employment anywhere in the world. Maybe your job is your life fulfillment; maybe it’s something that doesn’t drive you crazy and provides the means to find your fulfillment in other capacities. Finally, always remember that CHANGING the dream isn’t the same as giving up on your dreams.

If you’d like to follow along on my adventures, please check out my Facebook travel page @where.in.the.world.is.stephanie.sandiego or my blog at www.stephaniesandiego.wordpress.com

Kate Carreno

6/15/2017

Hi! My name is Kate Carreno and I am originally from a small town in the beautiful mountains in Western North Carolina. On any day you can find me drinking WAY too much coffee, devouring a book and probably listening to The Avett Brothers. The Great Smokey Mountains were so beautiful that I felt led to stick around for college. I chose to attend Western Carolina University (WCU) in the wonderful Cullowhee, NC following my high school graduation. I cannot even begin to describe how AMAZING that decision was. After a little fumbling in terms of my major, I chose Communication Sciences and Disorders to become a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or speech therapist with the hopes of working in pediatrics. I also minored in Special Education because that is another passion near and dear to my heart.

After completing undergraduate and graduate studies at Western, I am now a clinically competent and certified SLP and licensed to practice in the state of NC. I am employed full time with the Catawba County School system providing speech-language therapy services to approximately 40 preschool and elementary aged students. I also work part time for a pediatric multidisciplinary private therapy practice and hope to work PRN in a long-term care/assisted living community over the summer.

When I look at what I do now, I know that it would not have been possible without the guidance and lessons gained through my student jobs in college. I worked as an Orientation Counselor for WCU as well as an Admissions Tour Guide and Residential Assistant. Through these jobs I learned the importance of time management, organization, teamwork and communication. I have no difficulties carrying out the never ending to do list and constant conversations my job requires me to have. I learned how to listen to people, speak publicly and think on my feet-all of which have served me well in the real world. The advice I would offer to anyone on the fence about speech pathology or employment through his or her institution is simply…DO IT! Nothing can compare to the rewarding memories, relationships and lessons I gained through my student work. I believe that I am a better employee now for the work and skills I fine-tuned during that part of my life.

Jessica Ramirez

5/28/2017

My name is Jessica Ramirez and I am originally from Barranquilla, Colombia. After graduating from high school, I moved to the United States to start my college education. My bachelor’s degree is in Mass Communications and Broadcasting from Georgia College & State University. During my college years, I was very involved in several organizations and on-campus jobs, which lead me to an interest in a career in student affairs. Later, I enrolled in the master’s program of Professional Counseling and College Student Affairs at University of West Georgia. I worked for a year as a Resident Director in a small private college in NC. Due to my immigration status as an international student, my contract was not renewed for a second year. Work visas are usually given primarily to those in the STEM field and to professors and researchers in Higher Education, but very unlikely to be given to administrators in universities. Because of this, I decided to go back to Colombia.

After living in the south of the United States for 8 years, it was very difficult to return to my native country which has a reputation of being unsafe and with no economic prosperity. However, upon arriving I was very blessed to have had several job options and opportunities within my field. Currently, I work at the British International School in Barranquilla, Colombia as the school librarian. Specifically I am in the academic part of the library working with middle school, high school, and pre-school students. I am helping students in the area of writing, research, and citations. I was not planning to be a librarian, but because of my level of education, being bilingual, and experience with APA writing style I landed where I am today.

Every job that I had helped me with my skills when dealing with the younger generation. I still have much to learn especially when working with high school students. Specifically being an RA in college helped me become a better leader, handle crisis situations, work collaboratively within a team, and with listening and counseling skills. For all those interested in a career in student affairs, remain open minded during job selection, your job might not be in a university setting, but you will still be using all the knowledge and skills learned before. I am thankful with every supervisor I had because they challenged me to become a better person. Remain calm and positive during times of change, and be confident in every job you have.

Erik Qualman

4/18/2017

My name is Erik Qualman, I'm a #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker that has spoken in 47 countries and reached 25 million people this decade. I'm also the owner of Equalman Studios (equalman.com/studios) that has done work for Disney, Chase, Cartier, and many other big brands. My positions at EF Education, edX.org and Hult University allowed me to see first hand the importance of education. As such, the basis of all of our entertainment starts with education. We believe this education mindset empowers our fans, audiences, and consumers. My best advice is to serve others, work hard and do you. www.equalman.com

Paul Brown

3/11/2017

My name is Paul Brown and I currently serve as the Director of Curriculum, Training, and Research at the residential education software company, Roompact. During my time in college, I served as a Resident Assistant and as an RHA president (in addition to a number of different student leader roles on campus). After graduation from college I went on to get a Masters degree in College Student Development and worked in residence life and academic advising for a number of years before making the switch to working for a private company that focuses on software development for residence life.

I took away a number of different competencies and skills from my time as an RA that helped me get to where I am today. Being an RA taught me to be more confident in situations, particularly crisis situations, where you need to make quick decisions while remaining calm. Being an RA also helped me with skills I’ve used as a supervisor and teammate—including listening, counseling, and collaboration. In many ways, the RA position and how it stretched me in so many ways helped lay a solid foundation fro me as a professional. For current RAs, I would suggest focusing on your duties and enhancing your skills. Reflect on your work. How are you doing? How can you improve? Are there best practices you can follow? Engaging in these skills early on will enhance your employability later.

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