Get to know more about Lisa through her Q&A below!
- What inspired you to work in education?
I enjoy molding, educating, modeling and guiding all ages to become the best and productive humans for our society. It brings me great joy and satisfaction to be able to increase students understanding in a specific content area, demonstrate a skill to them and be able to see them "soar" and expand upon the knowledge that they have gained. I especially enjoy observing the growth that students make as they work to improve their skill-sets along with gaining abilities to problem solve, demonstrate confidence, practice independence and become leaders who demonstrate what taking great pride in their work looks like. - What do you enjoy most about your job?
There are many aspects about this job that I enjoy, it's difficult to narrow down to just one, but if I were to select the most important component that keeps me coming back for more it would be relationships. I feel very blessed to have developed many valuable relationships with my students and coworkers. I've found that EICC provides such a wonderful support system for their students and employees and it just feels so natural to want to show-up and care about everyone as well as how what I do and how I implement my practices can make such a lasting and valuable impact on the lives of those that I've had the pleasure of working with. I believe that a large part of the relationships that I build with my students involves the importance of practicing integrity and transparency and as a result of having a high regard for both I know that my students are going to attend and give their best and I will do the same for them. I depend on them as much as they depend on me and that's a fulfilling position to be a part of. - Can you share a memorable moment or achievement during your time at the college?
I have so many joyful memories of being a part of EICC, some with a lot of achievement and recognition behind them and others are very simple. I believe that those "simple and genuine" memories/actions have the most meaning for me. I am very uncomfortable being in the spotlight, I would rather that be my students having the opportunity to "SHINE" and experience what it feels like to fulfill a goal, having a very pleased customer and know what it feels like to make a difference in this world. If I were to narrow a memorable moment it's when they tell me "thank you" for helping them see what they couldn't, believing in them when they were unable, having tough conversations with them when they needed it, holding them accountable, allowing them to fail and learn from it and encouraging them when nobody else did. My response to them in return is "thank you" for trusting me and allowing me to help them see their potential to meet a goal toward pursuing a dream. - What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?
My family is very important to me, my grandchildren especially bring me so much happiness and joy. I get so excited to have them come to our home and cook or bake with me, it creates many wonderful memories and experiences for them as well as for my husband and I. I've found a lot of pleasure in traveling with my husband, especially going on motorcycle trips and experiencing different types of food. My church and church family plays a very important role in my life along with all of the experiences and relationships that come from that. I love to be creative whether that is with food or a building project with my parents where we especially enjoy finding items to repurpose and bring new life to. - Do you have a favorite quote or motto that motivates you?
#BeKIND, #ChooseLOVE ....these hashtags hold so much meaning to me. After the death of my 17 year old son in 2020 it caused me to take a step back and look at life from a different perspective. Knowing that I can make a difference in this world just by making two simple choices, to be kind to others and to choose the path of love, I can never go wrong even if the expression is never returned. I'm at peace knowing that I can wake up each day and make this very simple decision to make a positive and memorable impact on our world and that is all that I need to embrace my son's memory and continue the legacy that he left for our family to continue. - What is your approach to student engagement and success?
Building strong and trusting relationships: I want my classroom to be a safe place where students can feel free to take a risk and see what they never imagined their potential of being. - Can you share a piece of advice for students or colleagues?
"Every job is a self portrait of the person who did it. Autograph our work with EXCELLENCE." I would say to my students and colleagues always give your best, even when nobody is watching or looking because you will know the true meaning of selflessness and excellence. - What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
My Dad taught me how to weld when I was 9 years old and as an active 4-H member, I completed many welding projects and earned multiple awards at the state level at the Iowa State Fair. - If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
That's a really tough question for me, but if I had any superpower I would love to be able to go backward in time and make most of the "wrongs" that I've committed throughout my life and try to turn them into a positive outcome...should've, could've, would've, but then, I would probably not be the person that I am today had I not experienced those moments in my life. - What’s your favorite book, movie, or TV show?
My favorite book is anything written by author, Jon Gordan and without a doubt I LOVE any TV show related to cooking. Currently, I enjoy watch and learning from "Zoe Bakes".