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.