Lisa Havens
During my first semester of college, I filled my schedule with general education courses my siblings recommended. Among my classes was an introductory communication course. Part way through the semester, my professor gave a lecture overviewing the field of communication. I remember becoming more and more engaged and enraptured as the lecture progressed. At dinner, I shared my excitement with my father. He informed me that I could major in communication. My world shifted into place. The next day, I grabbed a college catalog and looked up communication courses. Shortly after, I declared communication as my major.
Desiring an interdisciplinary perspective of communication, I took courses in sociology, psychology, and business management. The University of Tulsa allowed me to concentrate my studies in organizational communication. As I approached graduation, I anticipated either finding a job or furthering my education. Instead, a month before graduating college, I met my husband. Six months later we married and moved from Oklahoma to Utah. When we arrived in Utah, I lacked connections in a competitive employment market. After searching for a couple months, I found a job as an office manager for an accounting firm. My coursework in psychology, conflict management, interpersonal communication, and small group communication helped me effectively run the office.
Three years later, my first child was born and I dedicated myself to being a stay-at-home mother. Raising my children has been a field experiment in communication, psychology, education, and parenting. Through daily interactions with my children, I have come to more fully understand my strengths and weaknesses.
Volunteering in my children’s schools and in my church has given me the opportunity to remain current with technology skills, build networks, and develop managerial skills. Working with others has helped me to become a better team player, adapt to different managerial styles, and increase my communication and leadership skills. I have also been able to develop my abilities, to think through a process from the beginning to the end, and to make sure all aspects of the activity were addressed.
I recently earned my professional educator license from Utah State Board of Education. I teach at Utah County Academy of Sciences where I teach Major and Career Exploration which is a concurrent enrollment course. This job has deepended my human resource training and development skills. I love helping students learn new skills and concepts.
