I am pleased to begin a new column, titled “There to Here-7 Questions”. I know as a student, I often wondered how people reach their chosen occupations or did the profession choose them. Or, perhaps as a student, you just could not figure out what I am” going to do when I grow up”. One of the greatest myths about education and career pursuits is that most individuals work in an occupation they obtain their bachelor degree. That is not necessarily true. In fact many people have had several “careers” in occupations totally different from their major in college. Think about, how many attorneys work on television, doing something that has nothing to do with law. However, because of the law degree it opened doors of opportunities they never imagined.
I also come across students who are confused about their major because they have so many talents that they cannot figure out which one to develop. An opposite sideare the students who have no clue of talents or interests they may have because they are pursuing careers that someone else want them to pursue. As a student and professional, I have had and have mentors guiding and providing feedback regarding my career opportunities. Many of these mentors did not have formal education but they had a wealth of knowledge about life. Also, some of my mentors are younger than I but are doing things I have an interest and I seek their guidance.
Each week we will ask people in the Henry Ford Community College family and the community at large to share their experiences in pursuing their educational pursuits. What challenges they overcame while pursuing their dreams. What helpful hints they can share with you, the student to help you when you are challenged and considering giving up on your educational pursuits. Or, just can’t figure out what you are “going to do when you grow up”.
I am pleased to have Diane Green, former Associate Dean of the University Counseling, Transfer and Advising Center who is making a transition from her prior responsibilities to new opportunities. I believe Mrs. Green is the perfect person to begin this first maiden voyage of this column. I hope you enjoy!

7 Questions

What degrees have you earned to date?
Bachelor of Music – Vocal Performance; Masters of Arts – Education/Career Guidance & Counseling
As President of the college what are your responsibilities? N/A

As an undergraduate student, what was your experience like?
My experience at a very large, competitive 4-year university was quite mixed. I was from a very small southern town in Virginia that had been segregated until the end of my sophomore year in high school; I graduated from a very small high school; and I would be attending a university over 700 miles from my home. Academic adjustment was quite challenging my first semester. Adjusting academically created a deep sense of fear/fear of failure which morphed into amazing levels of stress and I became very ill (Mono). By the end of my second semester I demonstrated to myself that I could be successful and I became very confident; thus feeling good about me (my talents, abilities, skills, etc.). Success bred success and I became very active and involved in campus life (pledged Delta), worked in the Financial Aid and Career Placement offices; worked in the dorms (RA then AD); conducted student/parent orientations through the Office of Student Orientation; held a teaching internship position at a local community college for a years; held off campus jobs (e.g. Gold Bond Cleaners, Winkleman’s, local artist’s, studio, Kay Baum); participated in local and state pageants (Miss Ann Arbor which I won, and Miss Michigan/ Miss America Pageant); participated in staged operas with principal parts; etc.

What was the most difficult challenge you faced while in college and how did you manage it?
During my first semester at the university I was advised to take 17 credit hours, 6 courses. I also decided I wanted to pledge a sorority. I was completely overwhelmed and struggled with balancing course time, study time, vocal practice / rehearsals and pledging demands. The combination was deadly!! Needless to say, I did not do well my first semester. As I prepared for second semester I had to thoroughly assess what needed to change in order for me to be successful the next semester. I determined that pledging was a total drain on the time I need to devote to the demands of my program. I decided that was something I could consider at a time when I knew I could handle those demands. Then I decided to reduce the number of credit hours I would take in the winter semester, using the spring/summer semesters to pick up those credits/courses I did not take in the winter semester. With the help of my roommate, I developed a realistic but rigorous study schedule. My roommate, who was in the same program, tutored me in a couple of classes and invited me to study with her in other courses. She was an amazing student who possessed phenomenal study skills which I learned from her during our tutoring/study sessions.

What do you believe are the rewards of your education?
They are numerous, but perhaps the most important ones were: 1) Experiencing the richness of being in a very diverse setting, among people from all corners of the world, and learning to open myself to, understand, and appreciate the value of “difference.” 2) Drawing from every experience I had, educational and personal, and using that knowledge and information to work toward being the very best person I could be. 3) Understanding that life is a journey, not a sprint, which requires time, care, thoughtfulness, persistence, a little luck, and a support system that holds you close! 4) The importance of recognizing and embracing the benefits of forgiveness, of oneself as well as others, and the value of being humble.

Did and do you have mentors in your life?
Absolutely! There were, and still are, wonderful, kind, and loving individuals who have lifted me up, shared their success, and guided me toward mine. Had it not been for the powerful shoulders of those individuals, who lifted me up, my sojourn to where I am today might have been a more difficult trip!
In giving advice to students regarding pursuing their dreams, what role do you believe charity, gratefulness, self-determination and forgiveness play in the success of a person’s educational pursuits and a productive life?
I believe they are all very important, but perhaps forgiveness, of self and others, would be the most important. I believe it is through forgiveness that I have learned to give. The ability to give to others (charity) in unselfish ways helps me demonstrate gratefulness for what is given (spiritually and otherwise). Self-determination I see as an outgrowth of self-acceptance (I am, I can, I will) and that allows one to build on their aspirations and life goals.