What are some of your favorite memories from your time at the DuBois Area School District?
Playing basketball all four years. Friday night football games. Current event tournaments in history classes. Mud volleyball. Being connected with classmates everyday.
Were there any teachers, coaches, or classes that had a lasting impact on you?
Diane Brewer, Karli Puhala, Michelle Snyder, Jackie Norris, John Wayne, Bert Ginther
What activities, clubs, or sports were you involved in as a student?
Basketball and National Honor Society
Tell us about your current career or professional role. What does a typical day look like for you?
I am currently a Contract Specialist at Penn State University in the Office of Central Procurement. Our office has a hand in the majority of contracts that have to be reviewed and signed on behalf of the University. I complete an initial review of contracts before they are forwarded to our contract managers for final review and approval. I also manage the University's process that ensures compliance for software that is used by students in the classroom.
What led you to pursue this career path?
This is not the career path I set out to pursue. Growing up, I always wanted to be a police detective and so I majored in Crime, Law and Justice. After college, I had a number of different jobs, including experience in Procurement. I earned my degree from Penn State, and I eventually realized that all I wanted to do was work for Penn State - that was the ultimate goal. I kept working my way to get my foot in the door with the University. My determination to work here eventually crossed paths with my prior experience in Procurement and I landed in the Office of Central Procurement.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
The most rewarding part is seeing yourself have a hand in a contract that eventually leads to a purchase for the University out in the real world - whether that is software used by students or equipment that is used by the Football Team.
Have you received any recognitions, awards, or achieved milestones you're especially proud of?
One thing I'm most proud of is graduating from Penn State with the highest distinction. I also recently hit my 10 year anniversary at Penn State.
How did your experiences at the DuBois Area School District help prepare you for your career or further education?
The teachers at the school district had a massive impact on my future success. Specifically, I want to highlight my fourth grade teacher, Diane Brewer. My mother always thought I had the potential to be a great student, but if it wasn't for Mrs. Brewer, I wouldn't be the person I am today. On the first day of school, we were tasked with writing an essay about what we did over our summer break. I kept trying to finish the assignment as quickly as I could because all I wanted to do was play The Oregon Trail in the computer lab - and she knew that. So, she kept making me re-write my essay until I got it exactly right, and it took at least four or five times until it was acceptable. She taught me that shortcuts would not get me anywhere in life - she also instilled a strong work ethic - even if you aren't the smartest person in the room, determination, grit, and an attitude to never quit can take you so many places. The teachers throughout my entire school career were always so supportive - they truly cared about us and helped me feel like I could achieve anything. I also had an extremely supportive group of friends/classmates - it always felt like we were really in all of it together.
If you could go back to high school, what goal-setting advice do you wish someone had given you?
I think you need to stay open-minded and flexible. Your path after school may look very different than you originally intended, but that does not mean it's the wrong path. Every experience you have can teach you something that can prepare you for the next challenge/opportunity. Turning off social media will save you. You do not need social media to be connected - go out and talk to people in the real world. Try to keep analog forms of communication alive - talking on the phone, writing letters.
How do you define success, and how has that definition evolved over time?
It used to feel like you needed to check certain boxes in life to feel successful. But now, if you can say that you are truly happy at the end of the day, I think you have achieved the ultimate success.
What skills or habits do you believe are most important for students to develop while they're in school?
I think it is important to learn to be able to talk to anyone, no matter what their title is. It is also important to be able to truly convey your point of view through the written word. Being able to multi-task whatever is on your plate is beneficial - your schedule will become busy in life and you have to figure out how to manage all of that. Lastly, you need to learn to rest and take a break. Burnout is real and you have to find a way to disconnect and recharge your batteries.
How do you stay connected to the DuBois Area School District community or give back to others?
I try to come back home to DuBois as much as I can to see what events are going on in the community - whether that is a school musical, football game, or just seeing old friends. Photography has become a massive part of my life - it doesn't give back directly to others, but sharing art in the world bridges connection. It starts conversations. It shows commonality between people. It helps slow us down. In a world that is constantly trying to pit us against each other and move things at lightning speed, art helps us take pause and open our eyes to things we may have not discovered or realized otherwise.