LSUS Degree: Bachelor’s in Psychology in 1997    

What I do now: Manager of Workforce Development at Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana

About my job: I develop and manage Workforce Development Programs. These are programs that help people with barriers to employment become self-sufficient, gain and maintain employment. 

How I got to LSUS: I received an invitation to tour the campus and learn about the programs. When I toured the campus, I liked what I saw and the people I met. I figured it would be a good place to start out and did just that. When I left my sophomore year to attend another university I missed LSUS, the people and environment. I transferred back and completed my last two years.

Fond Memories of LSUS: Sitting in the common area under the big oak trees with friends laughing and talking.

LSUS faculty who helped me: Dr. Helen Taylor and Dr. Jimmie Smith

How LSUS helped me succeed: It prepared me academically for the “real” world. I was also able to make connections to use in my professional career.

Advice to college-bound students: Continue on with your education. It is harder to go back to school than it is to stay in school. I began pursuing my master’s degree last fall and it is difficult and challenging to manage school and a professional job. 

Advice to someone who wants to enter my field: Know what you are getting into. There are days that your job will be rewarding but there are days that it will be hard. The nonprofit field helps people who are in crisis or in a bad place and it is our job to help them through it and that can be difficult. I have many success stories that keep me going and that is what you have to focus on. You have to know how to leave work at work (I believe this to be true in all fields). 

Tips on choosing a major or career: When choosing a career make sure you consider the lifestyle you want. Think about job security, marketable skills, financial stability, family time, travel requirements. Look at the big picture.

My toughest professional challenge: Learning how to pick my battles.

My toughest personal challenge: Dealing with my father’s death.

Successes (honors, awards, etc.) in my life: 2008 nominee for 40 Under 40

I’ve learned this from life: I have learned so many things throughout life. One of the things that stands out is that life is bigger than the moment I am in. Don’t get wrapped up in the small things—they will pass.