Career Program: Administrative Professional
Originally From: Hortonville
Current Residence: New London
Age: 31
Years of Attendance at FVTC: Fall 2021 – Spring 2023
Why did you choose to study this field?
I have held many different jobs throughout my life, but they have all led me to see my passion for supporting others’ learning goals. Before going back to school, I interviewed for an administrative position at the school district I was already working for, and I didn’t get the job. That experience taught me two big lessons – I really wanted to work in that kind of role in the education field, and I needed to get the skills necessary not to miss my next chance.
Tell us how you came to choose FVTC for your education.
When I decided to go back to school, my requirements were simple: a program that enabled me to complete my degree online while working, a campus close enough to visit if I needed assistance, and a campus that was well respected for its programs and impact on the community. Fox Valley Technical College checked all those boxes! Plus, I remembered how welcomed I felt when I attended FVTC courses in high school through my school’s K12 partnership back in the day.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your educational journey at FVTC?
Being involved on campus! I have been an active member of our Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter, and we have spent lots of time and energy giving back to the community and the students. I gave up some of the philanthropic work I was doing before returning to school, so serving the students has helped me fill that void and build leadership skills and confidence in myself.
What was the most difficult part?
There is not enough time in the day! Time is a finite resource, and I had to learn the hard way to spend my time wisely. I struggled with that for a long time, finding enough time in the day for work, school, club activities, and home life. At the point where I was struggling the most, I took stock of how I was spending my time and asked myself, “Is any of this supporting my growth for where I want to be by the time I graduate?”
What will you do on graduation day or in the future to celebrate graduation?
Graduation is going to be a blast! I plan on walking that stage and then having a couple of small dinners with close family and friends soon after to celebrate this milestone and the next stage in life!
Tell us about your plans after graduation.
Well, it still feels surreal to say my plan after graduation is to stay at Fox Valley Technical College! I was hired as a Support Specialist in General Studies and have already started that role! No matter where life takes me, though, I plan to continue learning, growing, and supporting everyone around me in their efforts to do the same for the rest of my life.
One last parting thought or words of wisdom to share with others.
Don’t wait until you reach your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every single step you take through life – academic, professional, and personal! “What we know matters, but who we are matters more.” – Brene Brown
