Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” One of my favorite movies is “The Pursuit of Happyness.” This 2006 American biographical film based on Chris Gardner’s struggle with homelessness reminds me that we can each create opportunities to support one another’s goals and dreams by what we give. What difference can you make? Where can you give?
Administrative professionals can be extremely influential individuals both in and out of the workplace. Administrative professionals have the ability to get things done and make magic happen. Each of us has the ability to help influence and guide individuals to grow their careers. We also have the ability to create new opportunities and to help others work towards their success.
As a child of a college educator, I spent weeks throughout the year on a college campus surrounded by an amazing group of women who led and taught within the Business Education Department at Butte College in Oroville, CA. My summers were spent copying syllabi, creating student folders, labeling keyboarding cassette tapes, dusting the classrooms, cleaning the typewriters and eventually computers, and helping my mom get her campus office organized. It’s no wonder I deliberately chose dual careers—executive assistant and college educator.
Outside of being raised on a college campus with the hustle and bustle of students getting from one class to another, education has always played a significant role in my life. Many of my teachers have been instrumental in my personal and professional development. I love learning. I love growing.
Adhering to the advice of Winston Churchill, I look for ways where I can “pay it forward” and help others specifically with their educational and career goals, an area I’m truly passionate about. A few years ago, my mom, Susan Leitner, and I started a scholarship to award students at Butte College, who are preparing to become administrative professionals, with additional resources to fund their educational goals. It’s been so exciting to be part of their annual awards ceremony held in May each year, where students are recognized for their educational achievements.
Take a moment to think where you might be able to add additional value by giving of resources, time, or encouragement. You have the ability to help change someone’s world. Enjoy a more fulfilling life by finding ways to give a little more. As a reminder, there are seven days in a week, and someday is not one of them.