July 8, 2008 issue

As a single mom wanting an education, my father suggested that I join him and work at Eastern Michigan University because of the tuition waiver. He was employed at Eastern and working on his undergraduate degree. I came to Eastern and fell in love.

I was hired for a cashier position in student business services in 1999. After a year, I moved to student loans for two years, then transferred to financial aid as a customer service specialist for two years. When Service EMU opened four years ago, I moved there and I have been an adviser for the past three years.

Every fall brings new excitement, when I meet the new students I will help over their entire college career. Watching students transition from freshmen to moving out on their own is very rewarding.

A very special EMU moment was when my father and I graduated together two years ago. My bachelor's degree is in history and his is in communications. I am taking classes for a master's degree in state and local history for the sheer enjoyment of education. The professors are so dynamic and energetic. When I finish, I plan to continue my work at the University.

My work history illustrates a joy of working with people. I waited tables and worked as a bank representative before coming to Eastern. The difference in working with people at my previous jobs and now at EMU is that everyone here works to help the students. All of the faculty and staff are committed to helping students succeed. There is a true sense of community and working at Eastern feels like a family. — Contributed by Krystin Jarrell  

 

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