Being a mom of four kids is what inspires me to better our community. I know I can’t change the entire world, but I’m doing my best to impact our little part of it. I want the best possible environment for my kids to grow up in.
The best career advice I’ve ever been given would be to never stop building your personal and professional toolbox. View each of your skills and experiences as tools in your toolbox that you can use in any set of circumstances. Never stop sharpening your skills, adding new skills or taking on new experiences.
My sister is a breast cancer survivor. I first started volunteering right after she was diagnosed because I saw how various nonprofit programs helped her through her cancer journey. When you can see the direct impact the work you do has on the lives of others and the community, it motivates you to want to do more and do it better.
Younger people get a bad rap for wanting to change things. Pushing for change isn’t bad, but make sure you understand the “why” behind whatever you want to change. Take the time to learn the history of your company from long-time employees. Their stories and background are invaluable in understanding the “why.” This understanding makes you more effective at advocating change.
The best career advice that I have ever been given is to never compete against others. Instead, compete against yourself. I do my best to reflect on my current accomplishments and ask myself, “How can I make that better? What can I do next?” By doing so, I am continuously moving forward and competing against only one person—myself.
The best career advice I received was from my mom, “always ask questions.” I keep that close to my heart. No matter where you are at in life, you can always learn something from someone. It is a good way to keep you humble. Everyone has something to teach someone else, but you never know until you start asking questions.
My advice would be to remember what the hardworking people of this community do everyday and those leaders that have built great businesses here. The foundation has been laid for you to lend a hand to build on that success. Even if you leave for a time, remember your roots, for they are rich with hard work and dedication.
I believe that the pursuit of knowledge can lead to endless possibilities. And while it may be easy to become complacent in a job, I would encourage young professionals to never settle and strive for opportunities to grow intellectually and challenge themselves. In advancing your careers, it’s important to seek out professional growth that will heighten the skills of creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking.
“It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.”
The community in Stark afforded me the ability to thrive in school and environment where I learned the very characteristics that have given me the successes I have today.
