Summer - eSchoolView

NDCL ’96 Alumna wins Plain Dealer“Why I love my job” contestNDCL Alumna Keri Gafric Ash is a winner. Notonly did the 1996 NDCL alumna win a recent Plain Dealer“Why I love my job” contest, but thanks to a positive attitude,the upbeat Ash is a winner in life as well.“I work for R.P. Carbone, a general construction company,”Ash says. “I’m in the construction management end of thebusiness. The division I work for focuses primarily on schoolprojects, so I’m continually interacting with school boardmembers and public officials.”“In construction, you can't build a structurallysound building without a good foundation.I feel that the same holds true with education.In my case, I couldn't build a strong careerwithout the educational credentials. I wasfortunate enough to attend both Notre DameElementary School and NDCL.”Ash is currently working on a schools project in Philadelphia,though she looks forward to her next assignment which willbring her closer to home.“My next project is in the city of Painesville, working onPainesville local schools,” Ash explains. “At the same time, I’mvery much involved in the Auburn Career Centerexpansion and renovation.”What keeps her engaged with her work is her role as aproblem-solver.“There are two aspects of my job that make it great,” Ash states.“It’s very dynamic, in that there’s a different issue to be facedevery day. It’s not at all a static position, and that definitelykeeps me enthralled. Also, at the end of the day, I have somethingto walk away from that I’ve been a part of, somethinglasting. That’s an extremely rewarding feeling for me.”As a result, Ash has no trouble getting out of bed in the morning.“I never feel like I don’t want to go to work every day,”she laughs. “I almost think I’m lucky in life that way.”In addition to her demanding role as a constructionconsultant, Ash recently became a bride.“I was married in September of 2006,” the happy newlywed says.“My husband Kevin is probably my biggest supporter.Though I love my work, it can be stressful, but he alwaysinspires me to try harder and do my best. He’s an awesomecounterpart.”Ash believes that her years at NDCL contributed greatly toher success.“One of the basic principles at NDCL is academic excellence,”Ash recalls. “In construction, you can't build a structurallysound building with out a good foundation. I feel that thesame holds true with education. In my case, I couldn't build astrong career without the educational credentials. I was fortunateenough to attend both Notre Dame Elementary Schooland NDCL. This academic foundation, along with a great dealof hard work, helped me graduate Magna Cum Laude fromMercyhurst College, which in turn opened many doors for mefollowing graduation.”Ash’s sisters Kristen (’94) and Kimberly (’99) Gafric alsoattended NDCL, and both went on to successful careers inlaw and banking, respectively.Ash credits NDCL with teaching her many important life lessons.“NDCL taught me that in order for a person to be trulysuccessful they can never stop learning. Many people fail torealize there is much to be learned from the people whosurround you, as there is in the work you perform on a dailybasis. Every day I work with professionals from all differentdisciplines - from structural engineers, to government officials,to school board members, to architects and master carpenters.The knowledge I gained from all these people is what sculptedme into the successful businesswoman that I am today. And Iknow the only way I will continue to succeed in my career isif I continue to challenge myself to learn.”Congratulations, Keri! You really are a winner.14 Seasons Summer 2007 Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin