Her Story
About patricia
Patricia Long serves as a public safety telecommunication instructor for the fire department in Orlando, Florida. She has held this position for three years, following approximately six years with the department where she began as a fire and life safety educator. With more than 15 years of experience in the field of education, Patricia previously taught language arts and literature to high school students. She earned an associate degree in education from Sam Sharp Teachers College in Jamaica, her country of origin, before migrating to the United States in 2012. She later completed a bachelor's degree in business administration from Columbia Southern University and a master's degree in public administration from Strayer University to deepen her understanding of government operations. Patricia also works as an adjunct instructor at Orange County Technical College, where she began teaching in December of last year. She attributes her professional success to her parents, who instilled in her the drive to reach her full potential despite their own limited formal education. Patricia values continuous growth and is committed to ongoing learning through classes, seminars, and workshops to improve both personally and professionally.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with patricia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents. They instilled in me the desire to always reach my full potential. My dad worked hard and made sacrifices so I could have opportunities he didn't, like going to college and working in corporate America. Their love and support inspire me to ensure their efforts weren't in vain.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice came recently from my chief: make sure you put yourself in a position where you are always ready and marketable. When an opportunity presents itself, you already have the education, experience, and background needed so you're prepared and can position yourself right away.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be confident in yourself and know who you are. Use whatever tools you have achieved, whether education or life experiences, to ensure that when you walk into a room your presence is there and others know you belong there as much as they do.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is others not seeing your full potential, especially in government where seniority matters a lot. As a younger instructor, people may doubt your ability because of your age or experience level, even when teaching those older than you.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Growth is the most important value to me. I always try to develop myself, better myself personally and career-wise through education. I'm always taking a class, finding a seminar or workshop to be a better individual, whether as a mom, wife, or professional. I don't take information for granted.
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