Kelly Desso

When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?

Once upon a time, I was trying to figure out what to do with my free time. There was a lot of pressure to join clubs and sports teams just to boost my resume, but I wanted to do something I truly loved. Among all the chaos, I found my happy place in playing the oboe. Being an oboe player meant more than just playing in the school band. I also joined a community band where people of all ages and skill levels played together. It might sound simple, but playing the oboe taught me a bunch of cool skills that go beyond music. When I played the oboe, I had to use my ears, eyes, hands, lungs, and brain all at the same time. In big musical groups, like orchestras, I often played alone or with just one partner. This made me feel super responsible because there was no hiding in the crowd. If I messed up, it was all on me. This experience really shaped my work ethic and made me more accountable for my actions. Surprisingly, playing the oboe also helped me in my job in security. Just like I prepared for band rehearsals, I had to be super prepared for work. I knew my role inside out and took the time to understand how everyone else's roles fit together, kind of like learning all the different parts in a musical composition. In the world of security, doing things ethically is super important. With my experiences and education, I felt proud going to work each day, knowing what I needed to do and understanding the roles of my colleagues. Every day was a chance to learn, grow, and contribute to the team. Here's my advice for you: Don't be afraid to work with someone who's better than you. Just like in music and in the professional world, teamwork is key. The best results come from everyone bringing their strengths together. I went from being an oboe player to a security professional, and I've learned that success is not just about doing things alone but creating a symphony of collaboration and continuous learning.