Hello!
My name is Cathleen Phillips. I am a part-time non-traditional student returning to the college scene after 20 years. This is my second OLEAD course.
In addition to being a student, I am also employed at the Penn State Berks campus as a non-credit program assistant. I do a great deal of work to recruit and assist non-degree, certificate seeking students in programs such as the Practical Nursing, Project Management, Leadership Development, Construction Project Management, CAD and other professional development courses.
Personally, I am married for 21 years and a mother to two daughters, one a high school junior and the other a junior Kinesiology major at Penn State! I live on a 25 acre hobby farm where my family cares for blank angus steers, chickens, goats, sheep, rabbits, and turkeys. In my “spare time,” I like to attend my daughters extra-curricular activities which include equestrian jump competitions and USA Volleyball competitions.
I’m looking forward to learning from each other’s unique life experience and perspectives. Best wishes in this class!
Cathleen,
Welcome to class neighbor. Thanks for the response to my blog. I think its always awesome to have other classmates nearby. I enjoy working with all different view points from across the country but its nice to see some local folks as well. I hope all is well at Berks. I play softball over the summer with the PSU Berks Softball coach. Sounds like the PSU Berks team is always a top contender.
I find it interesting that you live on a farm with all those animals. I recently went to the rodeo at Mt Springs for the first time. It was a blast. It is a shame that that place is closing to be a warehouse. I am rather busy with work but maybe if we need study time I can stop by Berks on my way home from work.
Best of luck this semester.
Steve
Cathleen – Good Morning. I was considered myself a non-traditional student when I started down this educational journey when I turned forty. I will be graduating this semester with a BA in Organizational Leadership, minor Labor Relations.
Your bio sounds like you lead a very busy life, between school, work, kids and a farm. I live in Texas and love the open country, it can be very calming on busy days.
Good luck this semester.
Welcome to the class Cathleen. The non-degree programs are going to become a very impactful part of the future of education. It is great that you have that experience. I look forward to working with you this semester.
–Brian
Hi Class, I work in commodities – lived in NYC for 9 yrs and moved to Houston a year and a half ago but still love NYC 🙂 I am originally from the Dallas area – so I still have my southern charm – I am low key & I like to get out of the city and enjoy nature as often as possible.
I have 3 adopted pets – Ms. Daisy Mae ( 7 lbs/10yrs old dog – “the baby”) Ms Ruthie 8 yrs 10 lbs. (rescued 10 mos. ago) and Mr. Theodore (9 lbs 6 yr old cat).
I run my own business with an international component and leadership is vital thus my interest in this class and in OLEAD in general. Look forward to gaining more insight through this class.