January 18, 2024 • 34 mins
New Year, New possibilities for the 'Baroness' podcast as Dr. Thomas shares her early entrepreneurial spirit and family life, enabling her to create, foster, and channel her inner vision, education, civic involvement, connection, mentorship and lifelong learner. Listen in as we speak with RCBC's Executive Director of Adult and Continuing Education and Business Engagement, Workforce Development Division, on how to develop your dream into a vision and make it plain so that you can execute the plan. Even if it is delayed, it will certainly come.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (00:00):
Welcome to Rowan College at Burlington
County's Baroness podcast I'mDr. Brooke Mailhoit program
chair and assistant professor ofour entertainment technologies
department. I'm the co chair ofthe Women's Advocacy Group a
subcommittee of the President'sAdvisory Council on diversity,
equity and inclusion. Thismonthly series highlights women
(00:23):
in leadership, while encouraginglisteners to build their skills,
connect with the community andvisualize the opportunities
available to women in variousprofessions. Tune in for a
female perspective on theBurlington County community. We
are here to listen to theseamazing women. If you want to
hear from women who lead andinspire this podcast is for you.
(00:47):
Happy New Year and Happy NewYear. Joining us today is Dr.
Shawn Thomas, former AssistantDirector of Financial Aid
project manager in the WorkforceDevelopment Institute. And now
she is the executive director ofthe adult and continuing
education and businessengagement for the Workforce
Development Division. Today weare discussing with Dr. Thomas,
(01:10):
purpose and preparation, beingcomfortable with yourself. Thank
you for joining us today.
Unknown (01:16):
Thank you, Brooke,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (01:17):
I am so so happy that you are joining us
and what I have a little tidbitof interesting information about
you. Your serialentrepreneurship, I need to know
about the singing telegramdeliver because I think that
that like opens up a whole worldfor me looking at you in a
(01:37):
different perspective. I kind ofwant to hire you. I don't know
what for yet. But tell me aboutthe singing telegram deliver.
Unknown (01:46):
I grew up in a very musical family. And when I was
about 16 years old, I wanted togo to a formal, so I needed to
save money for it. So one of theways to generate some income for
myself was to deliver singingtelegrams. My father had such a
silky voice, he sounded justlike Billy X died. And I was a
(02:08):
kid who grew up on jazz music,and I knew that in my next life,
I was going to be the next NancyWilson. Wow. Okay, so anything
from country jazz, punk. I'vesang it all.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (02:24):
What was the craziest ask of a song? Or
did you have like a like a listthat they had to pick from? Or
were you given songs to like,rehearse and learn? Like, what
was the craziest request?
Unknown (02:38):
The craziest was Billy Idol?
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (02:40):
No white wedding? Or what do we got white
wedding but
Unknown (02:43):
changing it into Happy Birthday?
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (02:46):
Do you think you could remember it?
Give us a little peace? Oh, no.Never. White Wedding said to
him. Are they interesting? Thatmust have been an interesting
telegram. But I love it. And.And so from a young point, a
young perspective, you were allyou're already trying to figure
(03:08):
out unique and creative ways tosave money and get the things
done that you wanted to do. Andnow here at rcbc, you're still
you're still doing that. Tell uswhat you do. Tell us what does
the executive director of nowthe continuing education and
business engagement for theWorkforce Development Division?
(03:30):
Do?
Unknown (03:30):
I think I have the most difficult title on campus?
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (03:33):
I think it's the longest title yes to
Yes.
Unknown (03:36):
So the Adult Basic Education Program is responsible
for ensuring that residents inour area achieve the basic
skills necessary. So we offerthe GED program through that
program, then continuingeducation can span the gamut. It
could be students who alreadyhave degrees who just need to
(03:57):
upskill in an area for say,promotion or changes in the
industry. Or it could be astudent who's unsure as to
whether or not they want to goto college, and they just want
to try it out. So they'll cometo continuing education and take
a class. What is the greatestpart about our department
(04:19):
continuing education is that wehave lifelong learning. So my
students range in age from about15 to 90. That's an expanse
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (04:28):
it is but nobody really sees that that's
not the norm, right? They're notthinking okay, I can go back and
learn new skills and new things.And you just keep my brain
active at 7080 90 years old. Andthat's wonderful that we have
the Lifelong Learning here atrcbc. What a nice thing to have.
Unknown (04:48):
Right? And then our fun department we call that business
engagement. We get up out off ofcampus and we meet with business
and industry professionals.Oles, we provide them with
training for their employees. Welook at ways that we can partner
together to ensure that ourregion has the skills needed for
(05:12):
whatever the emerging industriesare, that are coming, or to beef
up the industries that wealready have. There are some
gems in this area many peopledon't even know about.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (05:25):
I totally agree with you. What are some of
the gems that you're seeing thatare popping up that are on your
radar now in Burlington County?
Unknown (05:33):
Well, in Burlington County, we have a very close
relationship with the federalgovernment. Cybersecurity is one
of our biggest programs onwithin continuing education. And
then healthcare, healthcare ischanging. Most people don't
realize that COVID reallybrought out some things in our
(05:59):
society, on the health carefront, that now we need to pivot
a little to be able to address.It's not just mental health, but
by people being at home notbeing active. You know, we're
looking at occupational therapy,physical therapy, things we
weren't looking at before. Yeah,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (06:21):
I totally agree. And I think one of the
newest things that opened upabout a month ago because now
we're in 2020, for this amazingyear, our Cooper health system
right here in Burlington Countyopened up a new facility in
Morristown new
Unknown (06:38):
palliative care facility, and it is absolutely
beautiful. We actually get achance to tour the facility, and
they showed how they set upthese pods of care whether it's
cardiac care, or if it's just aperson who needs to come in to
see regular physician for anannual checkup, just how they
(07:03):
have set up that facility toreally meet the needs of the
person coming in. But it's notgoing to a sterile doctor's
office. It's really excitingwhen you go into the facility.
So obviously, anyone who livesin Burlington County should get
a chance to go over to MorrisTowne mall and check out the new
digs for Cooper. That's
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (07:22):
awesome. And what I love about what you
had said earlier about thispurpose and, and preparation,
you are really taking the prepside, really, really big for our
students and trying to preparethem for whatever those emerging
new skills are. So since it'snow the new year 2024, what are
(07:48):
you seeing some of these uniqueemerging skills that are going
to be needed for this next waveof these students that are
coming in,
Unknown (07:57):
we are still focusing, believe it or not on soft
skills, it is very important forour students and for our
community to realize thatwhether a student pursues a
traditional degree or anindustry recognized
certification, that those basiccommunication skills, being able
(08:18):
to reach people through yourwriting is critical. So within
the workforce division, two ofthe departments that we did not
talk about is careerpreparation, and experiential
learning. And that side of ourdivision really focuses on
ensuring our students have thoseskills of networking, being able
(08:44):
to write their narrative in away that is really engaging for
the
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (08:51):
industry. You know, it's really funny that
you said that I I did a lot ofresearch about experiential
learning. And I found that oneof the biggest, you know, points
for students that they don'thave enough background and
knowledge in is the soft skills.I mean, as an as an instructor
(09:14):
here and a professor here, justsome of the emails and some of
the verbiage and some of the waythey speak just haven't knowing
how to, you know, craft an emailin the right tone and the right
voice, and then how to putthemselves out there how to
speak to somebody how tonetwork. I mean, these are
skills that a lot of people justdon't see that they really need
(09:37):
to you know, boost. And is thatwhat you're seeing? Yes,
Unknown (09:42):
the nuances of communication. For two years,
almost three years, we were athome and our pajamas,
communicating with peoplethrough a screen. But there's
things such as body language,various intonations and Your
voice that really makes thetotal communication package. And
(10:06):
those are the things that ourstudents have to be able to
practice. So I'm glad we're backon campus, I'm glad we have
these networking opportunities.And I'm a person who goes to all
of the student networkingopportunities when I get a
chance to speak to students, andto really help them with that
part of it. Because I found inmy life, it was my ability to
(10:29):
just be able to reach out toanother person and talk to them
about how was your day? Oh, Ilove your car. What kind of job
do you have? What does thatmean? made the difference for
me?
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (10:43):
Yeah, I think it's the little subtle
things that I think a lot ofpeople are forgetting just those
little subtle things from notbeing person to person and
having those interactions. So Ithink that's, that's wonderful.
And I know your passion. Youknow, you just said about
networking and communication andreaching out. And I think one of
the really wonderful things youdo is you are also not just
(11:05):
engaged in, I think I see youyour name everywhere and
everything on campus. So you'redefinitely got your hands at all
that. But you will also arereaching out and you're part of
a network of places in thecommunity, one being the Alice
Paul Institute, why is thatpassionate to you? And why did
you pick being a part of theirboard?
Unknown (11:27):
I grew up in the Philadelphia region, and just
returned to the region in 2019.And when I came to work at rcbc,
young lady reached out to me andsaid, Would you consider being a
mentor for young ladies? And Iwas like, Oh, of course, you
know, and that's how myrelationship with Alice Paul
started. And one of theconditions for my being on their
(11:51):
board was that I could continueto be a mentor. That is one
thing that I did not want tolose Sure. Because when I was
growing up, although thesementoring opportunities have
always been there, sometimes ourfemale students get lost in the
shuffle. Because they have moreresponsibilities. I had to work,
(12:15):
I had to babysit my sister'schildren. So those afterschool
activities I didn't get toparticipate in. So I missed out
on those internships I couldhave had in high school or those
networking opportunities or evenplaying college or sports. In
high school. I didn't get to dothat. Because I had other more
important things to do.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (12:35):
Who was who is somebody when you grew up
that you looked up to as amentor?
Unknown (12:41):
As my mother and my father, my parents worked very
hard. My mother was a creative.She worked in the garment
industry. And she was a designerat heart. But she worked in a
factory she worked making fivecents a pocket. So she did what
was called piecework. Yeah. Butwhen my mother had the
(13:04):
opportunity to let loose behinda sewing machine, she would
create things that wereabsolutely awesome. But her
talent was valued, based onwhere we lived in what she
looked like. And I did not wantthat to be the case for me. And
my mother had children veryearly, my mother didn't finish
(13:29):
high school until I was in ninthgrade. And my mother was a
ferocious reader, she could talkto you about anything, and
everything. And people lovedher. And I want it to be like my
mom. She worked in a factory,but my mother got dressed for
work every day, you would havethought she was a CEO. My dad, I
(13:51):
don't think there was a personhe met that was a stranger. And
I want it to be as charismaticas my father wills. I
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (13:59):
think you've done that. We're going to
check that box right now.Definitely. Because when I first
met you, you just have this wayabout you your energy, your
vibe, you're just such a helpfulperson is that also from them
all that that connection of, ofwanting to reach out and wanting
to help and wanting to be thatresource and that mentor
Unknown (14:18):
that comes from my family collectively. I'm here in
Burlington County, I have auntsin Burlington County and cousins
in Burlington County, and that'sjust the kind of family I grew
up then. If you could lend ahand you'd lend a hand. If a
child needed a place to stay,you took that child in. If they
needed clothes on your back, youbought clothes for them. We
(14:41):
weren't a family from greatmeans. But we pulled together
and we made it happen not justfor ourselves but for other
people also.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (14:49):
So it's very interesting because I think
that's why a lot of studentscome to community college to
have that experience as well.Right? How How would you tell a
young lady that's going to starthere or lifelong learner? From
16 to 90? How to be that personhow to be that mentor, how to be
(15:16):
successful, how to staypositive, how to be that good
communicator? What what is apiece of advice that you could
give to young women?
Unknown (15:24):
There's two things that I live by one, never be afraid
to say hello. Because you neverknow who you're engaging. And
the other is Never be afraid tosay that you don't know. So
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (15:36):
true. So true. You said you your mother
was a creative I think you alsohave obtained that creative
knack, you were a Logo Creator,a marketing press packets, a
jewelry maker, a personal careproduct creator. Wow, all
(15:57):
starting at the age of 16. Tellme about the jewelry making that
sounds fun.
Unknown (16:01):
Um, when I had my daughter, I needed extra income.
I worked in higher education,okay, didn't make a lot of
money. And I got to travelabroad one time, okay. And I
went to a place once calledMumbai. And the colors just
overwhelmed me. Everything wasabsolutely beautiful. And I
(16:24):
wanted to come back and recreatethat I grew up in a family that
believed in the native traditionthat is part of my background.
So I grew up beading, and thingslike that. But once I moved
south, I was able to get mycertification in welding. And I
(16:45):
became a metalsmith. You
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (16:48):
need to add that to your list of welder.
We'll put you in facilitieshere. We'll get you some work
some more work on top of all thework you already do. Welding.
Amazing. Yes,
Unknown (16:59):
I had the opportunity. When I first came to rcbc with
the first fashion show that Iever saw. Yeah, I provided all
the jewelry for the fashionshow. That's
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (17:09):
amazing. And so do you still have time to
do that every now and then youkind of pull it back out, you
get inspired. I
Unknown (17:16):
do special pieces for weddings, special events, things
like that, but I don't do it ona mass production anymore.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (17:27):
So the telegram the jewelry making the
logomaker. You're a mentor foryoung women. And then this is
interesting. Prison arts andreentry programs that doesn't
seem like it would fit in there.Tell us about that. Tell me
about your history there.
Unknown (17:46):
In the early 2000s, I became an art collector. I
worked at Temple University. Andthey had a large art festival
every year. And I got to knowmany of the artists who came and
showed their work. And my motherand I really hit first. We dived
(18:06):
in headfirst, you know, webought everything that we could
buy. And there's a framingcompany on University of
Pennsylvania's campus where wehave our artwork framed, and
they would have all of thesebeautiful pieces just sitting
around. And I asked Where didyou get those pieces from? Are
they for sale? He said,Absolutely. We got them from
(18:27):
greater for prison. They're fromthe work that the prisoners
produced. And that's how I endedup with a prison arts project is
actually mentoring men who arein the reentry program, and
teaching them how to monetizetheir art. Because sometimes we
(18:51):
forget about that population. Wejust think that, you know,
people go in, they served yourtime for whatever they have been
convicted of. But we don't teachthem how to be productive
citizens at the time they leave.But we also don't assess the
skills that they have whenthey're there. And that's the
(19:13):
piece I think that's reallymissing in our corrective
system. Many of the men andwomen who are incarcerated are
just amazing when it comes tobusiness and finance and art. It
is overwhelming.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (19:31):
It's not just their title of what they
were convicted of. It's theother piece of the person and I
think a lot of that is lost.Yes. So what has been your most
powerful memory moment personthat you met through that
artwork that that that hastranspired from being a part of
that arts program, the reentryarts program.
Unknown (19:51):
Actually, it's not someone that I met in a prison
arts program is actually theperson who made me fearless In
going into that program, myuncle was once incarcerated a
grater for prison. And he becamean artist in prison. And I must
have about 8590 originaldrawings of his. Wow. And that's
(20:19):
what made me fearless. Because Iloved my uncle. He was a good
guy. He was charismatic. Hewasn't the person that society
said he was. He was an awesomeartist. And he was my uncle.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (20:34):
That's amazing. What what, what were
some of his pieces that he hadthemes? Or was it was it
painting? Was it what was itthat
Unknown (20:41):
he did many pencil sketches. My favorite is Eartha
Kitt. Oh, wow,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (20:46):
there's your your, your music and your
celebrity jazz to, you know,contact there. And he drew
Unknown (20:55):
a picture of my mother when she was 14 years old. And
that hangs on my wall today. ButI have all of his artwork. And
there is a plan thatPhiladelphia should know what
Philadelphia produced and theyproduced him. And at some point,
all of his artwork will be givento Museum in Philadelphia.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (21:19):
That's a beautiful story. And I think
what's so charismatic and uniqueabout you is that you have, you
know, I tell my film studentsand my creative students all the
time, you have to kind of almostbe this one person band, you
have to have a little bit ofthis, a little bit of that, a
little bit of knowledge aboutthis, and that. And it's like,
you know, I'm here talking toyou, you've got jewelry making,
(21:40):
you've got singing, you havethis reentry artists program.
And now you're dealing withcybersecurity month and people
and, you know, I mean, you justwear so many hats, and you have
you have such a touch on allthese unique areas. What would
(22:00):
you say to students about that,because I try and share that
with students all the time.Like, you need to expose
yourself to many things, eventhough you're creative. Like I'm
a filmmaker, I still lovelooking and seeing courses about
business or about Renaissance,you know, writings or poetry or
(22:22):
something like that, like you. Ithink some of the skills that
are needed is is definitely awell rounded student. Can you
touch on maybe your feelings onthat?
Unknown (22:32):
I'd love to learn. Yeah, when I was growing up
there, there was a term forpeople who love to learn, they
called you a nerd. As when I wasyounger, I couldn't embrace that
part about myself. But as I'vematured, and I tell students all
the time, embrace the nerd inyou. It's okay to have a desire
(23:00):
to learn about many differentthings. Granted, there is
something that you do need tospecialize in. My mother did say
that. But it's okay to want toknow a little bit about
everything. And I'm just wiredthat way. It's not a good or a
bad everyone is not designed todo the same thing. And sometimes
(23:24):
we want to model ourselves afterpeople and that's part of the
becoming comfortable withyourself. We want to model
ourselves after people peoplesee me and they say, Dr. Thomas,
and then they'll say you're notlike
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (23:37):
other doctors. I get the same thing as
Unknown (23:42):
and I'm not. And it took me a long time, especially
working in academia. Yeah, torealize that it was okay for me
to be different. A lot of peopledon't get that because what I
was called to do, and thestudents I was called to touch
are different than the students.Other people are called to
(24:03):
touch.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (24:05):
Best moment, we're teaching moment
for you in higher education.
Unknown (24:14):
That's hard to say. Because I look at every
experience, I don't look at mycareer as a continuum. Every day
is a brand new day withsomething new to learn and
something new to do. I rememberwhen I first became an adjunct,
(24:35):
I thought that was a disaster. Ireally did I fail. I had a class
of 30 students and I failed 28students and the dean called me
and she said, What is this? AndI think when I learned I was on
the right track, and I had nonethe right things, is when my
students came and said, No,she's right. We should have
(24:58):
failed. We didn't do what wewere supposed to do. And those
students retook my class thenext semester. One thing that I
believe in is, when you know,you're right, you have to have a
line of integrity that you nevercross. And I knew I was right.
(25:19):
And I stood on it, stand by yourword, yeah. And you have to be
willing to be planted in truth.Truth and integrity are very
important.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (25:31):
I couldn't agree with you more. You know,
what I think is so passionate, Iknow learning is your passion.
What are some other passions ofyours, or maybe they're even
hobbies that turn into passions.
Unknown (25:49):
It's having conversations like this, with
strangers with people I know.They helped me to grow. And I
know they help other people togrow. I'm not nearly finished
what it was, I was called hereto do.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (26:05):
Of course, you're a lifelong learner, you
never finished. And
Unknown (26:08):
that's the important thing for me. That's the
passion. Just by talking withyou, I learned things about your
students, I learned things aboutyour program, and a light bulb
will go off and say, Wow, maybewe can do this. Brooke, how can
we get this done?
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (26:26):
I'm a very similar like connector, I feel
like we're connectors. Because Ido the same thing. Like I'll
hear somebody say somethinglike, Oh, I could do something
with you. Or maybe we could worktogether to do something, or I
have an idea, or there'ssomebody that I know that you
should know, and I feel you arethat person as well. So I think
that's why we were kind of onthe same plane. And I'm also a
(26:48):
lifelong learner, I used toteach in the Lifelong Learning
Institute here, and I loved it,I thought it was such an
exciting opportunity, you know,to provide, you know, knowledge
to anybody and everyone that wascontinuing to want that
knowledge and that that, youknow, they thriving for it that
they were missing. And I thinkthat's what's so really
(27:10):
wonderful about rcbc is thelifelong learning, Institute and
workforce. I think a lot ofpeople need to know about that.
There's there, there areindustries out there that are
emerging constantly, every day,what was hot, 510 years ago has
(27:30):
changed. Or maybe it's the same,but what you need to get into
that has changed. And you guysdo an amazing job. Can you share
some of the unique things thatyou're doing? At workforce right
now?
Unknown (27:42):
We do a lot of data analysis, we talk to a lot of
businesses. And right now we'refocusing on what are these
industries looking for in newemployees. And the pendulum has
swung a little bit. There was atime when you had to have a
bachelor's degree or you had tohave a master's degree. And now
(28:04):
we're looking at businessessaying Do you have a
certification in thisdiscipline? For cybersecurity,
you know, do you have your Aplus certification, it's not so
much about the degree anymore.And we're seeing that and we're
hearing it in the news wherepeople are taking off of their
job announcements that you haveto have a bachelor's degree,
(28:27):
you're only asking for highschool diploma, we have a
business partner in our regionthat doesn't even list that you
need a high school diploma towork there. So the tide has
changed a little bit. So it'simportant for us to stay on top
of that kind of information sothat we are telling our students
the things that they really needto know to be competitive in the
(28:48):
market. When I was coming up,the reason why I'm a doctor is
not because I've always dreamedof being a doctor. It's because
I grew up with the understandingthat the more degrees you had,
the more marketable you were. Itwasn't until I became an A
seasoned adult, that I realizedthat wasn't true.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (29:12):
But you're still glad that you have the
letters,
Unknown (29:14):
I still, I still glad I have the letters, I actually
completed two doctorate degreesand almost completed a third.
So, you know, like I said, I'm alifelong learner. Once I got in
the groove of school, it waslike, that's where I belong.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (29:32):
That's awesome. Kudos to you. So I have
these like, special cards that Iuse every once in a while, and I
have no idea what thesequestions are. So I'm gonna, I'm
gonna ask a few. And we'll seewhat these are. So I have no
idea what these are. So we'regonna, we're gonna we're gonna
pull one out. How can I staymotivated when obstacles arise?
(29:56):
That's a good one for youbecause you're in so many
different things. So how do youstay motivated to keep on
keeping it on.
Unknown (30:03):
I have learned throughout my life to look at
obstacles as true learningexperiences. And I know that
people say that all the time,but they can't give you the
practical application of it. Butwhat I do is when I have a
failure or an obstacle that I'mreally trying to, to get over, I
(30:26):
write it out. I'm a writer, I'vebeen planning since the day I
could write, what was the goodthing that happen? What were the
words that were spoken? Maybethere was a misinterpretation,
I'm not a person who gets angry,I have learned to see all three
(30:46):
sides of the coin. I can seewhere you know, there may be a
shortcoming in my delivery, or amisinterpretation, and then you
try to go back and you rectifythat as quick as possible.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (31:01):
That's a that's, that's a great piece of
tidbit of info to to send to theyoung students today. Because I
think they don't realize thatthat it's okay to be wrong, or
change your mind and go back andchange that a lot of people
don't think that they have thatopportunity. Right. And I think
(31:24):
that's, that's very unique. SoI've been writing down little
notes throughout our entirepiece here of unique words that
have just popped up that arepowerful. And I use these almost
as like hashtags throughout ourconversation, and then I'm going
to ask you what your personalhashtag is. So let's hear I'm
(31:46):
going to I'm going to, I'm goingto read off of all of our really
interesting words that we'vetalked about today. Nerd, art
collector, achieved skills,lifelong learning, fun
healthcare, soft skills,experiential learning, engaging
body language, communication,network, reach out, hello,
tradition, embrace, wired, bedifferent new day, right track,
(32:12):
truth, integrity, grow threesides, comfortable with
yourself. And the last word,embrace the nerd. I love that.
What's your personal hashtag,Write
Unknown (32:26):
the vision. And I live by that. It, the entire line
goes right the vision and makeit plain. So that when you go to
execute that vision, you willunderstand what it is you're
supposed to do. And although theresult may not come immediately,
(32:52):
it will come. It is a promise.And so often, people make rash
decisions, or they makedecisions without all the
information or they're making adecision and think that that's
that that decision cannot bechanged. The vision for my life
(33:12):
has been morphing. Every year,every state that I've lived in
has changed it a bit. Everyregion I've lived in has changed
a bit. The people that have comeacross my path has helped to
expand it. And I'm grateful forthat. But the vision has never
changed. How I'm helping peopleis changing because I'm gaining
(33:37):
new knowledge because I have anew network. But it stays
playing. And I'm trying my bestto stay on course.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (33:49):
Well, I couldn't ask for a better wrap
up of this conversation. I wantto say thank you so much for
joining us here on the barenesspodcast. I appreciate you
joining me today.
Unknown (33:59):
Thank you for having me, Brooke, this
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (34:01):
was fun and sharing your dreams, your
visions, your wants your wishes.I guess we're gonna make sure
everybody continues down thismotivational path that you're
on. I love it. Purpose andpreparation, being comfortable
with yourself Dr. Shawn Thomaswith us today. And you've been
listening to the barenesspodcast. Take care. Thanks.
(34:22):
You've
Jason Varga (34:22):
been listening to the rcbc bareness podcast, which
highlights women in leadershipwhile encouraging listeners to
build their skills, connect withthe community and visualize the
opportunities available to womenin various professions. For more
information about this podcastor other podcasts available on
the rcbc Podcast Network, visitrcbc.edu/podcast And be sure to
subscribe to the rcbc barenesspodcast available on all
(34:44):
streaming platforms.
Welcome to Rowan College at Burlington
County's Baroness podcast I'mDr. Brooke Mailhoit program
chair and assistant professor ofour entertainment technologies
department. I'm the co chair ofthe Women's Advocacy Group a
subcommittee of the President'sAdvisory Council on diversity,
equity and inclusion. Thismonthly series highlights women
(00:23):
in leadership, while encouraginglisteners to build their skills,
connect with the community andvisualize the opportunities
available to women in variousprofessions. Tune in for a
female perspective on theBurlington County community. We
are here to listen to theseamazing women. If you want to
hear from women who lead andinspire this podcast is for you.
(00:47):
Happy New Year and Happy NewYear. Joining us today is Dr.
Shawn Thomas, former AssistantDirector of Financial Aid
project manager in the WorkforceDevelopment Institute. And now
she is the executive director ofthe adult and continuing
education and businessengagement for the Workforce
Development Division. Today weare discussing with Dr. Thomas,
(01:10):
purpose and preparation, beingcomfortable with yourself. Thank
you for joining us today.
Unknown (01:16):
Thank you, Brooke,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (01:17):
I am so so happy that you are joining us
and what I have a little tidbitof interesting information about
you. Your serialentrepreneurship, I need to know
about the singing telegramdeliver because I think that
that like opens up a whole worldfor me looking at you in a
(01:37):
different perspective. I kind ofwant to hire you. I don't know
what for yet. But tell me aboutthe singing telegram deliver.
Unknown (01:46):
I grew up in a very musical family. And when I was
about 16 years old, I wanted togo to a formal, so I needed to
save money for it. So one of theways to generate some income for
myself was to deliver singingtelegrams. My father had such a
silky voice, he sounded justlike Billy X died. And I was a
(02:08):
kid who grew up on jazz music,and I knew that in my next life,
I was going to be the next NancyWilson. Wow. Okay, so anything
from country jazz, punk. I'vesang it all.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (02:24):
What was the craziest ask of a song? Or
did you have like a like a listthat they had to pick from? Or
were you given songs to like,rehearse and learn? Like, what
was the craziest request?
Unknown (02:38):
The craziest was Billy Idol?
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (02:40):
No white wedding? Or what do we got white
wedding but
Unknown (02:43):
changing it into Happy Birthday?
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (02:46):
Do you think you could remember it?
Give us a little peace? Oh, no.Never. White Wedding said to
him. Are they interesting? Thatmust have been an interesting
telegram. But I love it. And.And so from a young point, a
young perspective, you were allyou're already trying to figure
(03:08):
out unique and creative ways tosave money and get the things
done that you wanted to do. Andnow here at rcbc, you're still
you're still doing that. Tell uswhat you do. Tell us what does
the executive director of nowthe continuing education and
business engagement for theWorkforce Development Division?
(03:30):
Do?
Unknown (03:30):
I think I have the most difficult title on campus?
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (03:33):
I think it's the longest title yes to
Yes.
Unknown (03:36):
So the Adult Basic Education Program is responsible
for ensuring that residents inour area achieve the basic
skills necessary. So we offerthe GED program through that
program, then continuingeducation can span the gamut. It
could be students who alreadyhave degrees who just need to
(03:57):
upskill in an area for say,promotion or changes in the
industry. Or it could be astudent who's unsure as to
whether or not they want to goto college, and they just want
to try it out. So they'll cometo continuing education and take
a class. What is the greatestpart about our department
(04:19):
continuing education is that wehave lifelong learning. So my
students range in age from about15 to 90. That's an expanse
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (04:28):
it is but nobody really sees that that's
not the norm, right? They're notthinking okay, I can go back and
learn new skills and new things.And you just keep my brain
active at 7080 90 years old. Andthat's wonderful that we have
the Lifelong Learning here atrcbc. What a nice thing to have.
Unknown (04:48):
Right? And then our fun department we call that business
engagement. We get up out off ofcampus and we meet with business
and industry professionals.Oles, we provide them with
training for their employees. Welook at ways that we can partner
together to ensure that ourregion has the skills needed for
(05:12):
whatever the emerging industriesare, that are coming, or to beef
up the industries that wealready have. There are some
gems in this area many peopledon't even know about.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (05:25):
I totally agree with you. What are some of
the gems that you're seeing thatare popping up that are on your
radar now in Burlington County?
Unknown (05:33):
Well, in Burlington County, we have a very close
relationship with the federalgovernment. Cybersecurity is one
of our biggest programs onwithin continuing education. And
then healthcare, healthcare ischanging. Most people don't
realize that COVID reallybrought out some things in our
(05:59):
society, on the health carefront, that now we need to pivot
a little to be able to address.It's not just mental health, but
by people being at home notbeing active. You know, we're
looking at occupational therapy,physical therapy, things we
weren't looking at before. Yeah,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (06:21):
I totally agree. And I think one of the
newest things that opened upabout a month ago because now
we're in 2020, for this amazingyear, our Cooper health system
right here in Burlington Countyopened up a new facility in
Morristown new
Unknown (06:38):
palliative care facility, and it is absolutely
beautiful. We actually get achance to tour the facility, and
they showed how they set upthese pods of care whether it's
cardiac care, or if it's just aperson who needs to come in to
see regular physician for anannual checkup, just how they
(07:03):
have set up that facility toreally meet the needs of the
person coming in. But it's notgoing to a sterile doctor's
office. It's really excitingwhen you go into the facility.
So obviously, anyone who livesin Burlington County should get
a chance to go over to MorrisTowne mall and check out the new
digs for Cooper. That's
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (07:22):
awesome. And what I love about what you
had said earlier about thispurpose and, and preparation,
you are really taking the prepside, really, really big for our
students and trying to preparethem for whatever those emerging
new skills are. So since it'snow the new year 2024, what are
(07:48):
you seeing some of these uniqueemerging skills that are going
to be needed for this next waveof these students that are
coming in,
Unknown (07:57):
we are still focusing, believe it or not on soft
skills, it is very important forour students and for our
community to realize thatwhether a student pursues a
traditional degree or anindustry recognized
certification, that those basiccommunication skills, being able
(08:18):
to reach people through yourwriting is critical. So within
the workforce division, two ofthe departments that we did not
talk about is careerpreparation, and experiential
learning. And that side of ourdivision really focuses on
ensuring our students have thoseskills of networking, being able
(08:44):
to write their narrative in away that is really engaging for
the
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (08:51):
industry. You know, it's really funny that
you said that I I did a lot ofresearch about experiential
learning. And I found that oneof the biggest, you know, points
for students that they don'thave enough background and
knowledge in is the soft skills.I mean, as an as an instructor
(09:14):
here and a professor here, justsome of the emails and some of
the verbiage and some of the waythey speak just haven't knowing
how to, you know, craft an emailin the right tone and the right
voice, and then how to putthemselves out there how to
speak to somebody how tonetwork. I mean, these are
skills that a lot of people justdon't see that they really need
(09:37):
to you know, boost. And is thatwhat you're seeing? Yes,
Unknown (09:42):
the nuances of communication. For two years,
almost three years, we were athome and our pajamas,
communicating with peoplethrough a screen. But there's
things such as body language,various intonations and Your
voice that really makes thetotal communication package. And
(10:06):
those are the things that ourstudents have to be able to
practice. So I'm glad we're backon campus, I'm glad we have
these networking opportunities.And I'm a person who goes to all
of the student networkingopportunities when I get a
chance to speak to students, andto really help them with that
part of it. Because I found inmy life, it was my ability to
(10:29):
just be able to reach out toanother person and talk to them
about how was your day? Oh, Ilove your car. What kind of job
do you have? What does thatmean? made the difference for
me?
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (10:43):
Yeah, I think it's the little subtle
things that I think a lot ofpeople are forgetting just those
little subtle things from notbeing person to person and
having those interactions. So Ithink that's, that's wonderful.
And I know your passion. Youknow, you just said about
networking and communication andreaching out. And I think one of
the really wonderful things youdo is you are also not just
(11:05):
engaged in, I think I see youyour name everywhere and
everything on campus. So you'redefinitely got your hands at all
that. But you will also arereaching out and you're part of
a network of places in thecommunity, one being the Alice
Paul Institute, why is thatpassionate to you? And why did
you pick being a part of theirboard?
Unknown (11:27):
I grew up in the Philadelphia region, and just
returned to the region in 2019.And when I came to work at rcbc,
young lady reached out to me andsaid, Would you consider being a
mentor for young ladies? And Iwas like, Oh, of course, you
know, and that's how myrelationship with Alice Paul
started. And one of theconditions for my being on their
(11:51):
board was that I could continueto be a mentor. That is one
thing that I did not want tolose Sure. Because when I was
growing up, although thesementoring opportunities have
always been there, sometimes ourfemale students get lost in the
shuffle. Because they have moreresponsibilities. I had to work,
(12:15):
I had to babysit my sister'schildren. So those afterschool
activities I didn't get toparticipate in. So I missed out
on those internships I couldhave had in high school or those
networking opportunities or evenplaying college or sports. In
high school. I didn't get to dothat. Because I had other more
important things to do.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (12:35):
Who was who is somebody when you grew up
that you looked up to as amentor?
Unknown (12:41):
As my mother and my father, my parents worked very
hard. My mother was a creative.She worked in the garment
industry. And she was a designerat heart. But she worked in a
factory she worked making fivecents a pocket. So she did what
was called piecework. Yeah. Butwhen my mother had the
(13:04):
opportunity to let loose behinda sewing machine, she would
create things that wereabsolutely awesome. But her
talent was valued, based onwhere we lived in what she
looked like. And I did not wantthat to be the case for me. And
my mother had children veryearly, my mother didn't finish
(13:29):
high school until I was in ninthgrade. And my mother was a
ferocious reader, she could talkto you about anything, and
everything. And people lovedher. And I want it to be like my
mom. She worked in a factory,but my mother got dressed for
work every day, you would havethought she was a CEO. My dad, I
(13:51):
don't think there was a personhe met that was a stranger. And
I want it to be as charismaticas my father wills. I
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (13:59):
think you've done that. We're going to
check that box right now.Definitely. Because when I first
met you, you just have this wayabout you your energy, your
vibe, you're just such a helpfulperson is that also from them
all that that connection of, ofwanting to reach out and wanting
to help and wanting to be thatresource and that mentor
Unknown (14:18):
that comes from my family collectively. I'm here in
Burlington County, I have auntsin Burlington County and cousins
in Burlington County, and that'sjust the kind of family I grew
up then. If you could lend ahand you'd lend a hand. If a
child needed a place to stay,you took that child in. If they
needed clothes on your back, youbought clothes for them. We
(14:41):
weren't a family from greatmeans. But we pulled together
and we made it happen not justfor ourselves but for other
people also.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (14:49):
So it's very interesting because I think
that's why a lot of studentscome to community college to
have that experience as well.Right? How How would you tell a
young lady that's going to starthere or lifelong learner? From
16 to 90? How to be that personhow to be that mentor, how to be
(15:16):
successful, how to staypositive, how to be that good
communicator? What what is apiece of advice that you could
give to young women?
Unknown (15:24):
There's two things that I live by one, never be afraid
to say hello. Because you neverknow who you're engaging. And
the other is Never be afraid tosay that you don't know. So
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (15:36):
true. So true. You said you your mother
was a creative I think you alsohave obtained that creative
knack, you were a Logo Creator,a marketing press packets, a
jewelry maker, a personal careproduct creator. Wow, all
(15:57):
starting at the age of 16. Tellme about the jewelry making that
sounds fun.
Unknown (16:01):
Um, when I had my daughter, I needed extra income.
I worked in higher education,okay, didn't make a lot of
money. And I got to travelabroad one time, okay. And I
went to a place once calledMumbai. And the colors just
overwhelmed me. Everything wasabsolutely beautiful. And I
(16:24):
wanted to come back and recreatethat I grew up in a family that
believed in the native traditionthat is part of my background.
So I grew up beading, and thingslike that. But once I moved
south, I was able to get mycertification in welding. And I
(16:45):
became a metalsmith. You
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (16:48):
need to add that to your list of welder.
We'll put you in facilitieshere. We'll get you some work
some more work on top of all thework you already do. Welding.
Amazing. Yes,
Unknown (16:59):
I had the opportunity. When I first came to rcbc with
the first fashion show that Iever saw. Yeah, I provided all
the jewelry for the fashionshow. That's
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (17:09):
amazing. And so do you still have time to
do that every now and then youkind of pull it back out, you
get inspired. I
Unknown (17:16):
do special pieces for weddings, special events, things
like that, but I don't do it ona mass production anymore.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (17:27):
So the telegram the jewelry making the
logomaker. You're a mentor foryoung women. And then this is
interesting. Prison arts andreentry programs that doesn't
seem like it would fit in there.Tell us about that. Tell me
about your history there.
Unknown (17:46):
In the early 2000s, I became an art collector. I
worked at Temple University. Andthey had a large art festival
every year. And I got to knowmany of the artists who came and
showed their work. And my motherand I really hit first. We dived
(18:06):
in headfirst, you know, webought everything that we could
buy. And there's a framingcompany on University of
Pennsylvania's campus where wehave our artwork framed, and
they would have all of thesebeautiful pieces just sitting
around. And I asked Where didyou get those pieces from? Are
they for sale? He said,Absolutely. We got them from
(18:27):
greater for prison. They're fromthe work that the prisoners
produced. And that's how I endedup with a prison arts project is
actually mentoring men who arein the reentry program, and
teaching them how to monetizetheir art. Because sometimes we
(18:51):
forget about that population. Wejust think that, you know,
people go in, they served yourtime for whatever they have been
convicted of. But we don't teachthem how to be productive
citizens at the time they leave.But we also don't assess the
skills that they have whenthey're there. And that's the
(19:13):
piece I think that's reallymissing in our corrective
system. Many of the men andwomen who are incarcerated are
just amazing when it comes tobusiness and finance and art. It
is overwhelming.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (19:31):
It's not just their title of what they
were convicted of. It's theother piece of the person and I
think a lot of that is lost.Yes. So what has been your most
powerful memory moment personthat you met through that
artwork that that that hastranspired from being a part of
that arts program, the reentryarts program.
Unknown (19:51):
Actually, it's not someone that I met in a prison
arts program is actually theperson who made me fearless In
going into that program, myuncle was once incarcerated a
grater for prison. And he becamean artist in prison. And I must
have about 8590 originaldrawings of his. Wow. And that's
(20:19):
what made me fearless. Because Iloved my uncle. He was a good
guy. He was charismatic. Hewasn't the person that society
said he was. He was an awesomeartist. And he was my uncle.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (20:34):
That's amazing. What what, what were
some of his pieces that he hadthemes? Or was it was it
painting? Was it what was itthat
Unknown (20:41):
he did many pencil sketches. My favorite is Eartha
Kitt. Oh, wow,
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (20:46):
there's your your, your music and your
celebrity jazz to, you know,contact there. And he drew
Unknown (20:55):
a picture of my mother when she was 14 years old. And
that hangs on my wall today. ButI have all of his artwork. And
there is a plan thatPhiladelphia should know what
Philadelphia produced and theyproduced him. And at some point,
all of his artwork will be givento Museum in Philadelphia.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (21:19):
That's a beautiful story. And I think
what's so charismatic and uniqueabout you is that you have, you
know, I tell my film studentsand my creative students all the
time, you have to kind of almostbe this one person band, you
have to have a little bit ofthis, a little bit of that, a
little bit of knowledge aboutthis, and that. And it's like,
you know, I'm here talking toyou, you've got jewelry making,
(21:40):
you've got singing, you havethis reentry artists program.
And now you're dealing withcybersecurity month and people
and, you know, I mean, you justwear so many hats, and you have
you have such a touch on allthese unique areas. What would
(22:00):
you say to students about that,because I try and share that
with students all the time.Like, you need to expose
yourself to many things, eventhough you're creative. Like I'm
a filmmaker, I still lovelooking and seeing courses about
business or about Renaissance,you know, writings or poetry or
(22:22):
something like that, like you. Ithink some of the skills that
are needed is is definitely awell rounded student. Can you
touch on maybe your feelings onthat?
Unknown (22:32):
I'd love to learn. Yeah, when I was growing up
there, there was a term forpeople who love to learn, they
called you a nerd. As when I wasyounger, I couldn't embrace that
part about myself. But as I'vematured, and I tell students all
the time, embrace the nerd inyou. It's okay to have a desire
(23:00):
to learn about many differentthings. Granted, there is
something that you do need tospecialize in. My mother did say
that. But it's okay to want toknow a little bit about
everything. And I'm just wiredthat way. It's not a good or a
bad everyone is not designed todo the same thing. And sometimes
(23:24):
we want to model ourselves afterpeople and that's part of the
becoming comfortable withyourself. We want to model
ourselves after people peoplesee me and they say, Dr. Thomas,
and then they'll say you're notlike
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (23:37):
other doctors. I get the same thing as
Unknown (23:42):
and I'm not. And it took me a long time, especially
working in academia. Yeah, torealize that it was okay for me
to be different. A lot of peopledon't get that because what I
was called to do, and thestudents I was called to touch
are different than the students.Other people are called to
(24:03):
touch.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (24:05):
Best moment, we're teaching moment
for you in higher education.
Unknown (24:14):
That's hard to say. Because I look at every
experience, I don't look at mycareer as a continuum. Every day
is a brand new day withsomething new to learn and
something new to do. I rememberwhen I first became an adjunct,
(24:35):
I thought that was a disaster. Ireally did I fail. I had a class
of 30 students and I failed 28students and the dean called me
and she said, What is this? AndI think when I learned I was on
the right track, and I had nonethe right things, is when my
students came and said, No,she's right. We should have
(24:58):
failed. We didn't do what wewere supposed to do. And those
students retook my class thenext semester. One thing that I
believe in is, when you know,you're right, you have to have a
line of integrity that you nevercross. And I knew I was right.
(25:19):
And I stood on it, stand by yourword, yeah. And you have to be
willing to be planted in truth.Truth and integrity are very
important.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (25:31):
I couldn't agree with you more. You know,
what I think is so passionate, Iknow learning is your passion.
What are some other passions ofyours, or maybe they're even
hobbies that turn into passions.
Unknown (25:49):
It's having conversations like this, with
strangers with people I know.They helped me to grow. And I
know they help other people togrow. I'm not nearly finished
what it was, I was called hereto do.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (26:05):
Of course, you're a lifelong learner, you
never finished. And
Unknown (26:08):
that's the important thing for me. That's the
passion. Just by talking withyou, I learned things about your
students, I learned things aboutyour program, and a light bulb
will go off and say, Wow, maybewe can do this. Brooke, how can
we get this done?
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (26:26):
I'm a very similar like connector, I feel
like we're connectors. Because Ido the same thing. Like I'll
hear somebody say somethinglike, Oh, I could do something
with you. Or maybe we could worktogether to do something, or I
have an idea, or there'ssomebody that I know that you
should know, and I feel you arethat person as well. So I think
that's why we were kind of onthe same plane. And I'm also a
(26:48):
lifelong learner, I used toteach in the Lifelong Learning
Institute here, and I loved it,I thought it was such an
exciting opportunity, you know,to provide, you know, knowledge
to anybody and everyone that wascontinuing to want that
knowledge and that that, youknow, they thriving for it that
they were missing. And I thinkthat's what's so really
(27:10):
wonderful about rcbc is thelifelong learning, Institute and
workforce. I think a lot ofpeople need to know about that.
There's there, there areindustries out there that are
emerging constantly, every day,what was hot, 510 years ago has
(27:30):
changed. Or maybe it's the same,but what you need to get into
that has changed. And you guysdo an amazing job. Can you share
some of the unique things thatyou're doing? At workforce right
now?
Unknown (27:42):
We do a lot of data analysis, we talk to a lot of
businesses. And right now we'refocusing on what are these
industries looking for in newemployees. And the pendulum has
swung a little bit. There was atime when you had to have a
bachelor's degree or you had tohave a master's degree. And now
(28:04):
we're looking at businessessaying Do you have a
certification in thisdiscipline? For cybersecurity,
you know, do you have your Aplus certification, it's not so
much about the degree anymore.And we're seeing that and we're
hearing it in the news wherepeople are taking off of their
job announcements that you haveto have a bachelor's degree,
(28:27):
you're only asking for highschool diploma, we have a
business partner in our regionthat doesn't even list that you
need a high school diploma towork there. So the tide has
changed a little bit. So it'simportant for us to stay on top
of that kind of information sothat we are telling our students
the things that they really needto know to be competitive in the
(28:48):
market. When I was coming up,the reason why I'm a doctor is
not because I've always dreamedof being a doctor. It's because
I grew up with the understandingthat the more degrees you had,
the more marketable you were. Itwasn't until I became an A
seasoned adult, that I realizedthat wasn't true.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (29:12):
But you're still glad that you have the
letters,
Unknown (29:14):
I still, I still glad I have the letters, I actually
completed two doctorate degreesand almost completed a third.
So, you know, like I said, I'm alifelong learner. Once I got in
the groove of school, it waslike, that's where I belong.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (29:32):
That's awesome. Kudos to you. So I have
these like, special cards that Iuse every once in a while, and I
have no idea what thesequestions are. So I'm gonna, I'm
gonna ask a few. And we'll seewhat these are. So I have no
idea what these are. So we'regonna, we're gonna we're gonna
pull one out. How can I staymotivated when obstacles arise?
(29:56):
That's a good one for youbecause you're in so many
different things. So how do youstay motivated to keep on
keeping it on.
Unknown (30:03):
I have learned throughout my life to look at
obstacles as true learningexperiences. And I know that
people say that all the time,but they can't give you the
practical application of it. Butwhat I do is when I have a
failure or an obstacle that I'mreally trying to, to get over, I
(30:26):
write it out. I'm a writer, I'vebeen planning since the day I
could write, what was the goodthing that happen? What were the
words that were spoken? Maybethere was a misinterpretation,
I'm not a person who gets angry,I have learned to see all three
(30:46):
sides of the coin. I can seewhere you know, there may be a
shortcoming in my delivery, or amisinterpretation, and then you
try to go back and you rectifythat as quick as possible.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (31:01):
That's a that's, that's a great piece of
tidbit of info to to send to theyoung students today. Because I
think they don't realize thatthat it's okay to be wrong, or
change your mind and go back andchange that a lot of people
don't think that they have thatopportunity. Right. And I think
(31:24):
that's, that's very unique. SoI've been writing down little
notes throughout our entirepiece here of unique words that
have just popped up that arepowerful. And I use these almost
as like hashtags throughout ourconversation, and then I'm going
to ask you what your personalhashtag is. So let's hear I'm
(31:46):
going to I'm going to, I'm goingto read off of all of our really
interesting words that we'vetalked about today. Nerd, art
collector, achieved skills,lifelong learning, fun
healthcare, soft skills,experiential learning, engaging
body language, communication,network, reach out, hello,
tradition, embrace, wired, bedifferent new day, right track,
(32:12):
truth, integrity, grow threesides, comfortable with
yourself. And the last word,embrace the nerd. I love that.
What's your personal hashtag,Write
Unknown (32:26):
the vision. And I live by that. It, the entire line
goes right the vision and makeit plain. So that when you go to
execute that vision, you willunderstand what it is you're
supposed to do. And although theresult may not come immediately,
(32:52):
it will come. It is a promise.And so often, people make rash
decisions, or they makedecisions without all the
information or they're making adecision and think that that's
that that decision cannot bechanged. The vision for my life
(33:12):
has been morphing. Every year,every state that I've lived in
has changed it a bit. Everyregion I've lived in has changed
a bit. The people that have comeacross my path has helped to
expand it. And I'm grateful forthat. But the vision has never
changed. How I'm helping peopleis changing because I'm gaining
(33:37):
new knowledge because I have anew network. But it stays
playing. And I'm trying my bestto stay on course.
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (33:49):
Well, I couldn't ask for a better wrap
up of this conversation. I wantto say thank you so much for
joining us here on the barenesspodcast. I appreciate you
joining me today.
Unknown (33:59):
Thank you for having me, Brooke, this
Dr. Brooke Mailhiot (34:01):
was fun and sharing your dreams, your
visions, your wants your wishes.I guess we're gonna make sure
everybody continues down thismotivational path that you're
on. I love it. Purpose andpreparation, being comfortable
with yourself Dr. Shawn Thomaswith us today. And you've been
listening to the barenesspodcast. Take care. Thanks.
(34:22):
You've
Jason Varga (34:22):
been listening to the rcbc bareness podcast, which
highlights women in leadershipwhile encouraging listeners to
build their skills, connect withthe community and visualize the
opportunities available to womenin various professions. For more
information about this podcastor other podcasts available on
the rcbc Podcast Network, visitrcbc.edu/podcast And be sure to
subscribe to the rcbc barenesspodcast available on all
(34:44):
streaming platforms.
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.