Discover how to refocus on your work and find meaning beyond income. Learn practical strategies to approach your career with integrity, serve others, and create a lasting positive impact on society.
Her Story
About Kim
I am a first generation college graduate and enjoy opportunities to not only earn an income but to volunteer and give back as the need arises. It was a leap of faith to complete a masters degree since neither of my parents had that opportunity. I have not only graduated with my MBA as a first generation graduate but was the class valedictorian. Being a first generation grad is far beyond just the achievement for myself but it's for my dad and mom who provided what was needed for a good start in my education and career. In 2026, I was inducted as a mentor in the Clemson University Tri-Alpha Honor Society. A society for first generation graduates. As a mentor I will work with first generation college students who are currently pursuing their degree.
My work centers around supporting faculty, staff, and students through hiring, events management and planning, and serving as the point of contact for high-level departmental events. I'm inspired by the opportunity to continue supporting the faculty, staff, and students who are making positive impacts in the community. To be able to support them is very important to me. I believe we all can contribute to that greater good, not just for ourselves, but for others. At the end of the day, I embrace opportunities to be a good influence, whether it's in a major task or a minor task. I'm driven by my faith and belief, and I have learned a lot from my father about embracing work with an excellent work ethic - not just for the work that elevates you to the point of being recognized, but embracing any task and doing them knowing that it's good and personally rewarding.
I recently earned my certificate in Adult Mental Health First Aid. The stress of society to achieve and become your own person has increased anxiety in so many professionals. For me, completing this certificate has provided key skills in knowing how to better understand an emotional circumstance and when it is time to reach out for help whether for myself, when working with others, friends and for family.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kim
01What do you attribute your success to?
I'm driven by my faith and belief, which guides everything I do. My father has been a tremendous inspiration - he had an excellent work ethic, and I learned so much from him about how to embrace work, not just the tasks that put you in the spotlight of recognition, but the small tasks too. He taught me to do the work knowing that it's good and rewarding in itself. I'm thankful for his legacy and how he shaped my view of work. I also believe in contributing to the greater good, not just for myself but for others. Knowing that I can be a good influence, whether in big tasks or small ones, is what drives me every day. I will not be able to accomplish any of these by myself. Having family support and my faith are key pillars in my worldview and the daily decisions that I make for myself and when working with others.
Alot of my success is derived from learning from the different groups I have volunteered with over the years. While I pursuing my master's degree, I volunteered as a researcher for a Retention and Graduation Focus Group, volunteered at Career Fairs, Shadow Our Student events and served as the student representative on the graduation committee. Other programs that I learnt alot from were from being a member of the 4-H Collegiate Club, Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership Institute and Summer Institute for Future Global Leaders.
Now that I am working full time I don't have as much time to volunteer as in the past but I have been able to volunteer at one of the local food banks, Clemson Child Development Center and at a senior living center. People are such an integral part of society and the more we can learn from each other, the more beautiful and all round we are to be able to interact with a wide range of personality types. Each year, for the past nine-(9) years, I assist in spearheading a charitable fundraiser for a range of organizations. These gifts are collected for local, inter-state and international organizations.
No matter our background, people are the same. We all want to be seen and know that we are included. By volunteering, I get to exercise that principle.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best career advice I have received is from a mentor who mentioned that their support for me was not just because I reached out for that support but it was their duty to do so. At that moment it dawned on me that they really wanted to see me succeed and they were willing to do so to the end. It's great to know that someone takes it to heart to care about your success. I too hope to do so not based on if I feel to or not but a loyal duty that is committed to other's success. Knowing that someone got your back.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to be a good listener and learner. Depending on the area of higher education you work in, you have to learn how to adapt to changing demands. Find a good balance in being both flexible based on the need yet staying within guidelines to adhere to policies. Service is pivotal to success and how the service is delivered is even more critical. When something does not work out exactly as you were hoping, remember that we can always learn from that to help make future better decisions.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now and not just my field but probably in general, we can always get a little busy with all the deadlines and career responsibilities. However, I believe that wherever you are in your career path, whether you're just starting off or you have achieved success, one of the biggest challenges is how do you manage the responsibility of taking care of yourself and support family and friends? It's important to pause and take a break. Essentially, it's not becoming stressed out about the things that you enjoy.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in my work and personal life is that I'm really driven by how my choices can benefit both myself and others. The things that are easy to do and also the challenging things. Not to please others but how do I make society better by my choices. When I was in a difficult place, I needed help too, so in a like manner, I want to be in a place where I can inspire others and give them an opportunity to know that if others can make it, so can they. I believe mostly in being an advocate for others and being an encouragement for someone out there who's wondering how to make the next step, what to do, and if it's possible. I'm inspired by the opportunity to support faculty, staff, and students who are making positive impacts in the community. Being able to be that support to them is very important to me. I believe we all can contribute to that greater good, not just for ourselves, but to others. I like working knowing that I can be that good influence, whether a major or minor task.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Kim
Finding Purpose At Work
Finding Purpose and Meaning in Your Daily Work
Some of us may dread the thought of work and look forward to the weekend, even at the start of Thursday. How can we refocus so that work is not a burden? This does not mean you are expected to head to work every day with a cheerful smile. Rather, it means we can refocus even when we don't feel like it.
Work has existed for as long as humanity itself. In fact, work has been with us since the beginning. We engage in work in many different forms—by taking care of ourselves and those we love, by showing up when there is a need, and even by accepting someone else's care during our own times of need. Work is universal, so no matter where you travel in the world, human beings are engaged in meaningful work.
When we begin our first job, work often feels exciting because we experience the empowerment of earning an income for the first time. We imagine all the things we can do with our first paycheck. This is the "good feeling" that comes from income-driven work. As we progress in our careers, however, we may begin to ask ourselves, Is this really the job I want to be doing? or What is the purpose of my work? Whatever our reflections may be, we should all take time to refocus on a regular basis.
Remind Yourself of the Importance of What You Do
One of the ways I refocus is by reminding myself of the importance of what I do—not only for myself, but also for how it benefits others and society. Instead of focusing solely on the income, I recognize that others are depending on me to show up. Someone is depending on me to answer their question and, in some cases, simply to say "hello."
In our fast-paced world, we often rush to the next task and forget that every one of us has a deep need to feel seen, valued, and a sense of belonging. Isn't that at the heart of our well-being? Consider meeting that need for someone today. Start by extending kindness to others before expecting it in return. You never know how a simple gesture might make someone else's day. Before long, you may find yourself receiving that same kindness as others say "hello" and reciprocate the care you have shown.
A Good Name Is Better Than Riches
On a more reflective note, I often think about the many people who attended my dad's homegoing. He was a man who genuinely enjoyed his work. One thing I realized about him was that his work touched lives across every level of society—the influential, the ordinary, those seeking a fresh start, and many others. He treated everyone with the same respect. They came not because they remembered the job he had done for them, but because they remembered how much he cared. The integrity and compassion he brought to his work were evident in every interaction. A good name truly is better than riches.
Taking a Break
Another way I refocus is by taking a break. Yes, stepping away from the constant pursuit of results can do wonders. Sometimes that means taking a short walk to clear your mind and reenergize your body. Other times, a longer break may be necessary, such as taking annual leave or enjoying a short vacation. Whatever form it takes, it's important to stay within your budget while allowing yourself the opportunity to unwind and reset.
Conclusion
In conclusion, work is more than simply "something you do." It is an opportunity to influence the lives of others and shape society for the better through your daily actions and decisions. Whatever your work may be—whether you do it for enjoyment, service, or income—you have the opportunity to create something meaningful. When we approach our work with integrity, honor, and a heart to serve, we contribute something truly valuable to the world.
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