Kim Bartholomew-Neptune

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 both 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 pursued my masters 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 have been able to volunteer at one of the local food banks, Clemson Child Development Center, 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. Annually, in 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 so by volunteering, I get to stand alongside that principle.

One of the best career advice I have received is from a mentor who mentioned that their support for me is not just because I have reached out for that support but it is their duty to do so. At that moment it dawned on me that they really mean that they say and they are 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.

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 our next decision better.

The biggest challenge in my field right now and not just my industry 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 that passion while also taking care of yourself and the others around you? It's important to pause and take a break. Essentially, it's not becoming stressed out about the things that you enjoy.

The values that are most important to me in my work and personal life is that I'm really driven by how what I do 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 it's in a big task or a small task.