Katelyn, the Professional Graduate

Mission Statement – PCM 300

My goal and ultimate philosophy in life is to serve God by using my talents that He has given me to help people. Everyone on this earth has a right to live together in a community, to grow and mature, and they need to learn how to do this. The professional path that I am taking is in Human resources, the recourses that businesses often times forget to nurture. They are adults that seek fulfillment and happiness in their lives. It is my passion to facilitate adult education and communication that is designed to help people grow and mature.

As my journey at Alverno comes to a close, I was invited to reflect and assess my time and my growth at Alverno. While working on my degree I was taught many things in some of the most unlikely places, by some of the most unlikely people and at some of the most inconvenient times. I may not have been the best student in class, and I may not have been as motivated to get my homework in on time, but there are values and disciplines that I experienced and learned that have changed my life. My procrastination has been a hindrance to my journey, but my friendships that have been forged and my drive to accomplish my goals has been my saving grace. I have learned to take my time and to really make the effort to accomplish my tasks with accuracy and a well thought out model.

My goal is to continue my education, communicate as a professional in all aspects of life, and to become a part of a free and democratic society. I must strongly emphasize lifelong learning for all of the citizens if they propose to remain free and use their freedoms effectively.

"Each of us has a spark of life inside us, and our highest endeavor ought to be to set off that spark in one another."
- Jenny Ausubel

Communication

Communication as a professional is one of the main outcomes of an Alverno Student. In my years here at Alverno I have been able to improve the way that I communicate in all ways.

In verbal communication, I am able to tell people what they need to know in an up-beat, positive, and fun way. I can give a 30 minute speech with out wilting on the pulpit. I can talk to a group of peers, and give them the overview of this week’s volunteering agenda.

In non-verbal communication, I can stand as a strong, confident, Alverno woman, and not be afraid to standout in a crowd of my peers. I am not afraid to show my confidence and skills in a job interview. I am not afraid to be the leader in a group of volunteers, in order to get something accomplished as a team. I am not afraid of being the strong friend when things get tough.

In written communication, I am able to compose pieces that tell people my mission, my thoughts, my dreams, and my proposal for acquiring the funds for the Cannon/Gollberg wedding. I am able to fully articulate my thoughts in a professional manner. I have learned how to successfully compose a piece of writing and be successful in writing it grammatically correct after the 19^th constructive criticism. I have learned how to take constructive criticism in the way that it was meant to be, constructive.

In all modes of communication and communicating as a professional, Alverno and especially my final PCM class, has given me the confidence and the necessary skills to present my self as a professional adult.

Professional Associations

My list of associations that I have been a part of or been a leader of is growing as I become more involved and learn more about myself as a professional and a communicator. The first mentoring opportunity I was a part of was the Escuela Vieau School. I had a group of six kids, three boys and three girls, I was able to help them learn how to put together a PowerPoint and present to their peers about a challenge that children face today in the inner city.

http://www2.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/vieau/English/index.html

During my freshman, sophomore, and junior year, I was a part of a service organization called Circle K International. I was just a member in my first two years, in my third year though I had the honor of leading the group as president. In my final year, I was also elected to be the Lieutenant Governor of the Metro division of Milwaukee, but I had to turn it down due to an overload of school. That year we raised over 1,000 in fundraisers over the year and we were able to touch the lives of many individuals.

http://slp.kiwanis.org/CircleK/home.aspx

In my final year, I was also able to serve as Vice- President of the student group, the Society of Human Resources. This is a student organization that is sponsored by the larger professional version of SHRM. In the student chapter of SHRM we were able to really divulge to interested students what a career in HR would really look like. I have a career in HR and that was my goal to begin with after I graduated high school. SHRM would take college students on tours of companies like, Harley Davidson, Miller Brewing Company, and Northwestern Mutual.

http://www.shrm.org/Pages/default.aspx

In my freshman summer, I was lucky enough to interview and be accepted as an HR Intern at Cooper Power Systems. I was able to really see what an office looked like and how to behave professionally in my position. I helped with their audits, the company picnic, and training in-services. This was my first venture into the professional world as a college student and I loved it.

http://www.cooperpower.com/

My junior year, I accepted an internship at Henry Schein Dental in the HR department. I was very excited to work in a multi-state organization and in the corporate office at that. I was able to see how all aspects of HR worked because they were all in the same office room, benefits, recruiting, payroll, and management. It was a huge opportunity that I treasure.

http://www.henryschein.com/Default.aspx

I was able to participate in the 2008 Relay for Life, also the Student Campaign For Public Service, which was a campaign started to petition for more funds for the public service aspect of colleges around the country.

http://www.campaignforpublicservice.com/

I also was able to participate in 2007 and 2008 Annual Habitat for Humanity trip. The first trip I went on was to Tazwell, Tn. We worked on the habitat dorms that we ere staying in for the week. The next year, the year I was president, Circle K coordinated the trip to Kentucky. Those habitat trips were what brought me closer to the group of girls that were there for me throughout my Alverno career.

http://www.habitat.org/

I was also able to work my way through college at Alverno Presents. It is the theater presenting group of Alverno College. I was able to work there for three years and ended as the student manager for two years. I was in charge of the hiring, training, and maintenance of five other student workers.

http://alvernopresents.alverno.edu/

There are links to all of the organizations that I talked about. Please feel free to look them up and get involved.

I also was a tour guide for the college that I fell in love with. Which i told to all of the perspectives that i gave tours to. Alverno was the best decision that I have ever made.

Alverno has been the constant in my life for the past four years.

I am going to miss it dearly.

The Philosophy of ME

My Philosophy Statement

By: Katelyn Cannon

April 27, 2009

Adult education starts with a thirst for knowledge. A need to learn; Adults should assume the obligation to learn to become more productive citizens. Also, with the knowledge that every conscious adult can learn, there is no limit to what I can teach the world.

My goal and ultimate philosophy in life is to serve God by using my talents that he has given me to help his people. Everyone on this earth has a right to live together in a community, to grow and mature, and they need to learn how to do this. The professional path that I am taking is in Human resources, the recourses that businesses often times forget to nurture. They are adults that seek fulfillment and happiness in their lives. It is my passion to facilitate adult education that is designed to help people grow and mature.

As my journey at Alverno comes to a close, I was invited to reflect and assess my time and my growth at Alverno. While working on my degree I was taught many things in some of the most unlikely places, by some of the most unlikely people and at some of the most inconvenient times. I may not have been the best student in class, and I may not have been as motivated to get my homework in on time, but there are values and disciplines that I experienced and learned that have changed my life. My procrastination has been a hindrance to my journey, but my friendships that have been forged and my drive to accomplish my goals has been my saving grace. I have learned to take my time and to really make the effort to accomplish my tasks with accuracy and a well thought out model.

By using my skills, which I have developed at Alverno and my course outcomes; I have been able to use the following skills to effectively counsel and obtain my goals. Effective questioning is using certain questions to bring forth the in-depth information that an employee needs to tell me that they might be too embarrassed or scared to tell me. Next by actively listening I am able to gather that information and paraphrase summarize or clarify it in my mind and with my employee to ensure the accurate information was communicated. Next, by reflecting and validating their concern or question I am making them feel as though their trust and vulnerability was not in vain, and that I will try to help as much as possible. In my communication back to the employee with the correct information, I use the vocabulary that they know, and make sure that the information is understood by the employee. Then by both arriving at an agreement with the information and decisions made there is a closure and validity to my position and their clarification.

My goal is to continue my education and to become a part of a free and democratic society. I must strongly emphasize lifelong learning for all of the citizens if they propose to remain free and use their freedoms effectively.

"Each of us has a spark of life inside us, and our highest endeavor ought to be to set off that spark in one another."
- Jenny Ausubel

Feature Story

Their Journey of Love

Many people go to the auto show to find the next car they are going to buy,Katelyn went to the auto show and found her husband. At the 2009 Auto show, there was more than just MPG's and horsepower, there was something more that you wouldn't expect to find at the largest automobile event of the year.

Jeffrey Gollberg and Katelyn Cannon had first contact on Match.com, an online dating service, on February 12, 2008. They started talking on-line getting to know one another for a couple of weeks, and soon Katelyn had asked Jeff to meet at the Milwaukee Auto Show. “ It was actually supposed to be a big group date, but all of my friends ditched me, so it was just Jeff and I.” Katelyn said talking about their first date.

They hit it off right away and spent hours talking and walking around the auto show. After that date they both decided to go steady. Jeff said,“ She was so much fun to talk to, and we both were just as dorky as the other.” Inseparable, the two soon moved in together and spent as much time together as possible.

Six months into their relationship, Jeffrey and Katelyn celebrated their anniversary and at Saz's, on State Street in Milwaukee, he gave Katelyn a beautiful peridot promise ring, Katelyn's birthstone. “ I was just letting her know that I was going to be around for a while.” Jeffrey said while talking about their anniversary.

As they began to grow together as a couple, they both grew in their lives outside of one another. Jeffery started a new career in auto sales, while Katelyn was well into her final year at Alverno.

As their one year anniversary was coming up, Jeffrey made a date for that day, he reserved a table at Pizza Piccola and made sure Katelyn was off for the day. Katelyn said, “It was a really fun day, we started with working on his car, and then got all dressed up and went to the auto show where we had met just a year earlier.”

While at the auto show, the two found their favorite section, the Fords. Katelyn hopped into a 2010 Ford Expedition in the driver's seat, Jeffrey climbed into the passengers seat where he popped the question.

“I was so excited when he pulled the ring box out of his pocket! I had no idea” said Katelyn. She exclaimed, “ It was perfect, I loved it!”

Jeff and Katelyn plan to marry September 19th at her parents’ home in Burlington, WI this year. Their wedding is set in 11 beautiful wooded acres in Walworth County.

Jeff purchased the ring from Thomas Jewelers in Muskego, a family owned business. “He was so adorable when he saw the final version of the ring that he purchased with the family diamond that he had brought in.” stated the owner of Thomas Jewelers, Kathy Thomas. “ It was as if he was looking into his future, and slowly a huge smile spread across his face.” Kathy said.

“She is everything I have ever wanted in a wife, and I never want what we have to end. I love her with all of my heart” Jeff said about the proposal, with smiling Katelyn looking on.

Jeff and Katelyn are planning a honeymoon to Iceland for the following winter. “It is unique and memorable” Katelyn said about their decision. After the wedding, their plan is to get an American Bulldog, named Shelby.

Romance at the Milwaukee auto show, not something you find everyday.

Smile!

I believe that myself, as an Alverno professional starts off with a great personality, treat others the way you would like to be treated. This simple principle of being nice, and saying hello with a smile, is often times over looked as a professional way of conduct. Being a stick in the mud and not allowing others to get comfortable around you is one of the worst managing techniques. Being stand off-ish and unavailable while at work puts a wall up between your collegues.

Being accessible, friendly and always willing to help is a great way to make a name for yourself and get you to the position you want. But being friendly and being a push over is a fine line in the business world. Think of the human resources field. I want to get to know my colleagues, but when they try to push through me to get the pay rate that they want or to bend the policies; I have to show them that I will not be pushed around. This doesn’t mean that I will be mean to those pushy people the next time they ask to change their W-2 status.

Being a nice person is a way of life, not just a thought for the day. I challenge you to start the "nice" way of life. Smile. Acknowledge people as they walk down the hallway with “hey.” 95% will reward you with a smile.

Engagement at the Greater Milwaukee Auto Show

Engagement at the Greater Milwaukee Auto Show

2-24-09

It was an exciting second day of the Milwaukee auto show located in the Midwest Airlines Center.

Jeff Gollberg, a 24 year old car salesman, proposed to, Katelyn Cannon, a 21 year old Human Resources Director and Alverno Senior at the show today. It was their one year anniversary.

Jeff proposed in a 2010 Ford Expedition. “I was so excited when he pulled the ring box out of his pocket! I had no idea” said Katelyn.

Jeff and Katelyn are getting married September 19^th at her parents’ home in Burlington this year. Their wedding is set in 11 wooded acres in Walworth County.

Jeff purchased the ring from Thomas Jewelers in Muskego, a family owned business. “He was so nervous when he saw the final version of the ring that he purchased with the family diamond that he had brought in, it was adorable. They make such a cute couple.” said the owner of Thomas Jewelers, Kathy Thomas.

Jeff and Katelyn are planning a honeymoon to Iceland for the following winter. “It is unique and memorable” Katelyn said about their decision. After the wedding, their plan is to get an American Bulldog, named Shelby.

“She is everything I have ever wanted in a wife, and I never want what we have to end. I love her with all of my heart” Jeff said right after the proposal, with a glowing Katelyn looking on.

Jeff and Katelyn met on Match.com. Their first date was at the 2008 Greater Milwaukee Auto show. Both being car enthusiasts, this was the perfect ice breaker. They started dating February 24, 2008.

- Downtown Milwaukee

Human Resources

Human resources is where I have always wanted to be. Since freshman year in high school, I have wanted to be an professional in the profession of Human Resources. Any area of HR would work for me whether it be a generalist in a small firm, or a recruiter or payroll specialist in a larger company. Knowing what I wanted to do before I got to college was a huge help and jump on other college freshman that have no idea what they want to do. Being set in my decision and going for what I wanted is and will always be a part of me. Starting at Alverno, knowing what I wanted to do, I chose a Bachelors in Business Management and two supports in Professional Communication and Adult Education. I have been working towards that goal of graduating since August of 2005. Coming up in May of 2009 will be the four year mark. I will be graduating May 16th 2009.

I have gotten a job at Dove Health Care and Millway Health Care Center in their HR office, as a generalist. In March, I will be taking over the Millway Human Resources office as their HR generalist. In May, I will be going full time in that position. I was so blessed to be able to find a job while I was in school with this terrible economy. I am so happy to be in an HR office, and doing what I love. I get to wake up every morning and be excited to come to work. Who gets to do that now a days?

My challenge to you this day is to find what you love. Find out what excites you and put passion back in your life.

My Mission Statement

Mission Statement:

Who am I?

I am a strong independent woman that has had my life shaped by the people that have been in my life. I have been given the best, and brightest opportunities that I have chosen to take, and make the most of. I am an Alverno woman, a woman that speaks for myself, and wont take no for an answer.
My core characteristics and values take their roots in the Bible. All of the values that I have learned as a child hold my moral compass towards what’s right. All of the common sense things, that I take for granted, come to me in time of moral decisions.

Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. All the things that are needed to become a decent, kind, and God-fearing person are all laid out in the book that I believe in. Those core values will never change.

I believe in being nice, even if others aren’t nice back. I believe in giving everyone a chance at a better life. I believe in sharing the talents I have in order to help others. I believe in being as positive as possible, all the time. I believe there is always something to smile about. These things I believe.

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson