Her Story
About Heather
Heather Harper serves as an administrative assistant in a work-study position at the college she attends in Saint Albans, West Virginia, where she also works as a student canvasser. She began her studies in August 2025, started canvassing about one and a half months ago, and began her administrative role two and a half months ago. Harper is pursuing an associate's degree in criminal justice, with thirty credits remaining, and recently completed a medical coding class at Bridgeville College, earning a certificate in applied science. Her background includes trade school training as a pharmacy technician and an HVAC class, for which she holds a refrigerant handling card. She is a member of the AAPC. Harper's most notable achievement is returning to college later in life and successfully passing her classes. She attributes her success to her children and her faith in God, and she emphasizes family values, honesty, and reliability in her work and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Heather
01What do you attribute your success to?
My children are the reason for everything, and God. I praise Him for anything and everything, and I want to make sure my children have a good future and set an example they can look up to.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Communication is important because if you don't communicate, it shows a lack of responsibility and that you care. Along with that, you have to have the gumption to want to do the things you say you want to do, so make sure you do things that you say you're going to do. Responsibility and communication.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be so shy when it comes to telling your input on something that you feel is wrong or that you think would make something better. Always give input but in a polite passion that doesn't step on toes, and remember that you can do anything that men can do but make sure you're willing to do that exact thing. Set the bar high for yourself and you can always reach it as long as you keep on jumping for it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The crazy in the world is intimidating, thinking about all the different things that went downhill and how people are acting nowadays. It's scary to think we might not be able to change it for the future, but that's why I'm here to step in and try to do my best to help make sure things change for the good, even if it's really small.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family values, honesty, always showing up when you say you're gonna show up. When I tell somebody I'm gonna do something, I try to hold to that.
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