What I learned from a role model

I grew up in Moss Bluff with hardworking Christian parents, and I was a first-generation college student. After graduating from McNeese State University, I was hired into an administrative role at the university. As a young professional, I searched for a role model I could look up to in my career.

The Problem

When I became a professional administrator at McNeese, I didn’t really know anyone who had worked this type of job before. And my boss had previously been a coach. He was a terrific boss, solid as a rock. I learned a lot about helping students and being a responsible administrator from him.

But while he taught me many things, I couldn’t emulate him professionally because his style was gruff and his language was less than ladylike! I needed a role model who was a little more like me.

The Solution

I knew as soon as I met her that Ms. Linda Finley was the role model I’d searched for.

Ms. Finley was the McNeese Registrar during my time there, and I quickly learned how effective she was in her position. She was always calm, rational and kind. She was a good listener, and she respected others. A proactive problem solver, her decisions were well-thought out and firm.

I had the pleasure of serving on several university committees with Ms. Finley, as well as working with her to help students complete the admissions process to secure their schedules each semester. McNeese’s students were lucky to have such a poised, strong woman assisting them.

What I Learned

I admired Ms. Finley tremendously, so I decided to follow the example she set in her demeanor and effectiveness. Ms. Finley taught me to:

1. Be open to suggestions and change. Ms. Finley was always respectful of others and open to their ideas and suggestions. Many times we get stuck in a rut of doing things our way, but being open to an alternate viewpoint is a great way to get out of that rut.

2. Express your opinions in a rational, well-thought out way. During my time observing and working with Ms. Finley, she had a way of sharing her opinions in a way that demanded respect and honesty while also ensuring all involved were treated with that same standard.

3. Treat everyone with respect. Although Ms. Finley was not the first person to teach me about respecting others, she displayed to me the lasting effects it can have for a leader. If you respect others, they’ll respect you. In a professional environment, this is crucial, and I know it will make a difference if our elected officials follow this standard!