The Bulletin

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned working in the profession?

This profession has taught me that it is imperative to build relationships with the students you serve. In order to receive the buy-in necessary for events to launch, policy implementation, and participation, knowing your students is important. I take the time to listen, learn, and support my students as much as I can while building community within our union.
 

When working with events, what factor is most likely to make or break its success?

Your attitude is everything! Being able to remain calm, cool, and collected during events—which may or may not have the particular outcome one wants—is crucial in this field. I am a firm believer in never asking my staff to do anything I would not, and role modeling all behavior for optimal success must be apparent. One must think, in the presence of your staff and students, how can I make this situation a learning opportunity for them to grow?

What is one project or innovation you’re proud to have helped implement?

With the creative assistance of my student worker, we designed a wall wrap which embodied the true essence of our union as well as our community at FDU. Our wall art displays pictures that exemplify some of the union’s core values: Leadership, Civic and Social Engagement, Diversity, Community, Service, and Preparation. As our community sees these images, they are reminded of why FDU is their home!

Describe a memorable day on the job.

At the beginning of each semester, I develop a comprehensive training schedule for my union staff including topics such as effective customer service, union values, diversity, and emergency management. The most memorable aspect on the job is looking into the eyes of my union staff after our trainings and recognizing the “ah ha, I got it” moment on their faces. It is rewarding and gratifying to know that my staff and students take pieces of the union with them everywhere they go and exemplify their best daily.