BEHIND THE SCENES

Behind the Scenes: Staff Redefine Their Individual Possibilities

This spring, as Sacramento State celebrates its alums - April is traditionally Alumni Month - ABA not only recognizes department staff with degrees from Sac State, but those who are working hard to earn degrees as a way to redefine the possible.

This edition of Behind the Scenes focuses on a few of those individuals who are currently enrolled as students - here at Sacramento State, and elsewhere. We wanted to know about their motivations, their academic goals, the obstacles and challenges they must overcome, and how the pursuit of higher education is making a difference in their lives. 

Staff professional development is endorsed in ABA as a way to build competence and sustain the high performance for which the division is known. Sac State’s Fee Waiver program and other local degree programs afford interested staff the opportunity to expand their horizons and Redefine the Possible for themselves as well as the University. As one of our profiled employees remarked, the Fee Waiver Program “is an amazing opportunity that is provided to employees and their families.”

Police Officer Jesse Smith, who is currently studying Mathematics, but is interested in Electronic Engineering long-term, believes that despite the challenges, earning a degree will help him improve his life and be a role model for those who are important to him. "I am setting an example for my children, as well as my family and friends.”

Smith demonstrates the power of the educational experience in building confidence, as well as becoming more learned. “I have been excelling in the classes I’m taking and it has changed my outlook on what is possible. The classes have shown me that you should not limit yourself." Smith is not alone in his enthusiasm for what the educational experience brings.

Priscilla Llamas-McKaughan thinks that her education has had a direct impact on the contributions she makes in her current position. "I believe I can bring a broader perspective to our Financial Services family by being a student," said McKaughan, business associate. "I often bring up concerns and/or questions from the students' perspectives that were not thought of." Llamas-McKaughan says her education has helped deepen her understanding of workplace culture. “Given my major in organizational communication studies, I oftentimes see the theories we learn in class in action in our organization.” The workplace serves as an informal lab, where she can see concepts at work and better understand motivations and actions.

McKaughan, who graduates this spring with a degree in Communication Studies, says, “Earning this degree will assist my understanding of our organization and hopefully contribute to the success of the University.”  It will also open opportunities to apply for positions requiring a degree.

There is no denying that a college degree may open doors to jobs and careers not otherwise possible. This future employment potential and job security are a central theme for other ABA staff/students as well. "My primary educational goal was to obtain job security," said Susan Colley-Monk, administrative support coordinator in Risk Management Services. "Between the years of 2006 and 2008, when the economy took its downward spiral, I was laid-off twice."

Now, Colley-Monk has been employed by Sacramento State for almost three years while continuing her education at the University of Phoenix, she plans to continue towards a Masters Degree after she completes her Bachelors in Science in Health Administration. "Even though I work here on campus and have an opportunity to attend Sacramento State, I decided to continue my program at the University of Phoenix because I always finish what I start!" Colley-Monk has gained a lot from her education. “I believe the benefits of higher education have made me a better contributor and an active participant in achieving department goals. I have more confidence in my writing and presenting skills, and hope these skills will present me with opportunities for advancement.”

Amanda Stan, Administrative Support Assistant in Facilities Management, aspires to a part-time teaching job at the University level once she obtains her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Stan appreciates the growth of her abilities as a result of so much reading and writing for classes. “I feel that my writing and grammar skills have grown immensely. Proper grammar is incredibly helpful when one’s position includes communicating with a vast majority of the campus.”

Stan says that her education has redefined her appreciation for the Sac State and its locale, as she has cultivated a deeper sense of pride in the campus and the Sacramento region.

As one might imagine, the act of balancing a full-time job with studies can be difficult. Not only are jobs and families demanding, but throw in course work, projects and other life responsibilities - it is certainly no easy task. "It has been difficult," said Stan. "There’s always something to do, which makes taking time to sit down and get any progress made on my thesis next to impossible. Also, trying to maintain any outside activities, such as Krav Maga training or just hanging out with friends, becomes arduous.” For Colley-Monk, the first in her family to earn a four-year degree, attitude and commitment play a key role in balancing goals and responsibilities. As a parent, she learned to make sacrifices. “Taking courses was my time to accomplish something for myself, and I was determined to let nothing or no one stand in my way.”

Lauren Garrett says, “It has definitely been a hard balance for me.  Working full-time and going to school is tough.  It doesn’t leave much time for a personal life.  You just have to push through and if it’s important enough to you, you will get it done."  For Garrett, a budget analyst in Budget Planning & Administration, the degree will represent success - the achievement of a significant goal. Like Smith, earning a degree will also inspire pride from Garrett's family, which places a high value on education.

Many see an academic institution like Sac State as the ideal workplace culture needed to embrace and encourage staff education. And, many respondents describe support systems within their offices that are helping them reach their goals. "Associate Vice President Stacy Hayano and Lead Budget Analyst Angel Thayer have both absolutely been advocates for my education," said Garrett. Garrett hopes to complete a Bachelor's Degree in Economics within two years.

Smith concurred: "Working full time is hard but with supportive co-workers and bosses, I have been able to succeed with school." Others, such as Colley-Monk, recognize family members as their greatest support. Her husband, also a student “became my ally, support and reading buddy. It became routine for us to sit at our computers after a full day of work to study, read and write.”

Through their commitment to their goals for higher education, these ABA employees are redefining the possible for themselves, their ABA families and Sacramento State. Although each in different stages of life and career, all agree that it is never too late, and that one should never stop wanting to improve.

This year’s graduates include McKaughan, who plans to graduate in May, Colley-Monk, who plans to graduate in June, and Stan, in December.

For staff interested in pursuing an education at Sac State, the campus Fee Waiver Program reduces costs. For more information, visit Human Resource's Professional Development and Training Fee Waiver website.