GWC Colleagues - Golden West College

Edith Cardinalicontinued from page 3Q. Can you recall any examples where you were able to gain moreinformation from colleagues?I’ve been very fortunate to have supervisors who have given me a jobto do, allowed me to do things in my own way; and as I grew, theyhanded more responsibility to me. I was raised in the generation wherewe called people by their surnames such as Mrs., Mr., or Dr. KarenHalverson influenced me to start calling the instructors and staff bytheir first names. ThisQ. Did you fight the advancement of technology or did you welcomeit?In the beginning, it was frightening to think “do I have the capacity tolearn something new such as working with a computer.” But once I usedthe computer, it was astounding. Change is always somewhat scary, butnow whenever a computer program is upgraded, I don’t give it a secondthought. Now I love and embrace it with just a little grumbling. We’vecome a long way! I would never want to go back to ditto machines withthe purple ink on my hands or the old mimeograph machines with theblack ink. Now I can send documents electronically to my printer, copymachine, etc., without the mess.Q. If someone was going to replace you, what advice would you giveas you leave?I would advise them that being flexible is critical, because things arechanging constantly. I work with facilities, and events get cancelled,rooms get switched, and you just have to smile and keep going. Youcan’t allow yourself to become frustrated. Maintain a positive attitude.We all are here to function as a team, and we just have to keep that inmind. We are here to help one another; and we are serving by assistingthe faculty, students and the administrators. We just make it work. That’simportant! Something may be received at the last minute, and you haveto do whatever is necessary to communicate that information, so theevent will be successful and the outcome positive. I would suggest to anew person coming in to be a good listener and to be very respectful.You have to separate the fact that an individual may seem angry withyou, but in reality, they are actually more upset with the situation. Youneed to listen and try to put yourself in their shoes. I remember oncewhen an old man carrying a cane almost appeared to hit me, becausehe was upset. My coworkers were frightened for me, because I waspregnant. He didn’t strike me. I got him calmed down, and he was fine.You want the outcome to be mutually satisfying when a student orcommunity member leaves.Q. Can you describe how you see your position at this time?I’m an assistant to the vice president of Administrative Services, andso there are a lot of things that I do to help Janet Houlihan. She has ademanding job and schedule. Also, I have the task of working withDistrict relating to problems with the campus phone system. When thephones break down, I have to make certain they get repaired and areoperational. I work with facility rentals with outside groups as well asthe Service Award gifts.Q. Can you describe what you plan to do in your retirement years?My husband and I met while ballroom dancing and would like to brushup on our social dancing skills such as the waltz and fox trot. I alsohave four grandsons with whom I want to spend more time with andattend the various programs at their schools. Luckily, I was able to seemy grandson, Dillon, read a speech recently that he wrote about his dad.It was so incredible to witness that special moment first hand. I alsowant to do volunteer work for our church, and my husband and I willprobably take extended vacations.I love to garden and do the weeding and manicuring of our flower bedsat home. When people walk into our backyard, they are blown away.My husband designed and built the pond. We have a lot of gold fishswimming in the pond. We also have water lilies and plants. We go outthere and enjoy breakfast, listen to the water, and watch the birds. It isvery peaceful and truly my escape from reality.I’ve been very fortunate to work with amazing people here at GoldenWest. I feel as if this is my second home and my second family. We havesuch beautiful grounds... I love to walk out on the track as well, and I amgoing to miss it and the people, too; because I have a lot of friends here.As I leave, I want to make sure that I’m always challenging my mind andseeking to learn.Editor’s Note: Edith has been honored twice as the Classified Employeeof the Year for 1994-1995 and 2005-2006. She was given the CharlieSianez Exceptional Service Award in 2006.Edith and her husband, relaxing in their extraordinary backyard.20Wavelength May 2010 Special Retirement Issue