Sept. 8, 2009 issue
I'd actually began here in the early 1970s,
but left EMU because I wanted to spend more time with my young daughters.
I returned in August 1981 a second time. Alumni Relations hired me and
at the time they were in this building (McKenny Hall).
As my daughters got older, I became very involved in their after-school
activities. So, I worked part-time in the theatre department for four
or five years. That gave me the flexibility I needed to spend more time
with them. When I worked in theatre, my husband and daughters hosted an
occasional chili party for the theatre students. I enjoyed it so much
that I stayed until my youngest was about to graduate from college. Both
of my daughters are EMU graduates. One is an occupational therapist and
the other is a CPA.
In 1991, I joined the staff in Career Services and I've been here ever
since. When I started, we were in Goodison Hall. We later moved into King
Hall and then on to our new home in McKenny Hall. One of our functions
is to help our students find jobs. We do workshops, including interviews,
resume writing and what to wear to an interview. We help them prepare.
For me, two of the most important events I participate in are the Michigan
Collegiate Job Fair and the Teacher Job Fair. My chief duties there are
greeting employers at the former and teacher candidates at the latter.
One thing that has transitioned during my tenure here is that so many
of our services are now online.
I love the people I work with. They are my second family. They've kept
me upright during some very difficult years when my husband
was ill and passed away. They managed to keep me focused
and strong during that time. We
all enjoy working together and everyone jumps on board
when something needs to be done. It's a good place to be.
I came to EMU because I wanted a job....I stay because
I love this place. I will retire from EMU some day....just
not sure when.
— Contributed by Ron Podell
