April 28, 2009 issue
I really enjoy helping the students. The number one reason we are here
is for the students. I've had more then 60 student workers since 1997.
A lot of my former student workers come back and see me, and tell me how
much I had mentored them. I really like to mentor students. It makes it
all worthwhile.
In addition, I have been working as a secretary at EMU for 15 years.
I started out at the Corporate Education Center and then worked at the
Development Office. Thereafter, I worked in the dean's office at the College
of Arts and Sciences, then in the University Publications Office, and
I spent 11 years as the senior secretary in African-American Studies.
In October 2008, I transferred to the art department.
With my clerical staff benefit, I received my bachelor of fine arts degree
from EMU in fall 2007. When I saw the opening posted for senior secretary
in the art department, I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to
work in the department where I received my BFA degree. I also am currently
working on my master of arts.
I've enjoyed working as a mentor for the Summer Incentive Program (SIP)
for at least 12 years. SIP is a program for high school students who have
graduated and may need a little boost in getting into the University.
The University brings them in and they stay seven weeks during the summer.
During that time, the students take two or three college courses; do an
internship where they work in an office; and meet with a mentor. It's
really important because it's the first view they have of the University
and its staff. They get the university experience a little bit earlier,
when it's not so overwhelming. As a mentor, I get the opportunity to be
a positive influence to brand-new students and give back something to
my community.
Upward Bound also has a summer program called Summer Academy, which is
different from SIP. It is set up for high school students
to give them a university experience, but they are only here about five
to six weeks. They attend classes, but don't get full university credit
for the classes. They do get one-and-a-half elective credits toward their
high school transcripts. My son, Dominique, was involved in Upward Bound,
which was a wonderful experience because of all the other universities
he was able to visit through the program.
There are a lot of wonderful instructors at EMU. I think this University
is different in that the instructors don't just have you
in class, they know your name. They build personal relationships
with the students. Because I am a student in the art department,
I'd say 75 percent of the faculty I work with now I had
as professors. It's nice to know that they know me; it's
just on a different level now working as the department's
head secretary. They are just like a family member. The
whole University is like one big family. — Contributed
by Heather Hamilton
