Karen Redding

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

Personal career choices are amid many; however, I knew from a small child that I wanted to help people by any mean necessary. Early-on, the interest was to help children, like myself at the time--I would help others to better understand their homework and general classroom assignments. As time progressed, a passion grew to help those whom were described as "at risk" and compelled one to embrace their academic qualities. The combination of the said passions led me to the current status of a Professional Educator and a constant contributor of effective social reform. As a gentle reminder, the early-on vision and the compassion that grew while on a host of paths, has successfully led me to the opening of a one-on-one and on-line tutoring organization that holds the mission of leaving no one behind.

What is the most useful piece of career advice you got as a student, and who gave it to you?

The most useful career advise that was received as a student was given by one of my college instructors. I am led to recollect that, the course of study at the time was English Composition--the instructor was often late to class, and my peers had very quickly made me aware that if the instructor was fifteen minutes late; then we could leave, and be marked as present. Every time that I would make a dash to leave, the bell would alert me that the elevator was approaching and the instructor would exit as I thought that I would enter--only but to say to me sternly, "Washington, get back to class..." Needless to say, with my head dropped, I would return to class.</p> <p>The advise that was given indirectly and remotely was to identify the benefit and quality of an education. I stand today and an excelled writer and professional educator--I have touch so many in the past, touching so many today, and plan to touch countless others in the future. Best Wishes and "Get back to class."

What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now professionally? How did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge that was navigated through and was overcome would be the raising four sons while going to college. I had to fit college into my life, rather than my life into college. Very carefully as situations would arise--I would navigate through the obstacles, look forward, and keep moving. The things that I could change--I changed, and made the best sound decisions possible.

How did you start building your network?

I started building my network, by of course interlinking with people who were familiar to me and performing research to see who I needed to be in touch with. Research that was performed were amid peer-reviewed and non-peer reviewed sources--and from the said findings networking practices were executed.

When did you get your first Big Break? How did you get it? How did it go?

My first Big Break was when I became an Adjunct Instructor. The facilitations of a successful interview, were the leading factors, which are essential to current and future endeavors.

Did anyone ever oppose your career plans when you were young or push you in a direction you did not want to go?

No one ever opposed my career plans when I was young; nor did any one push me in a direction that I did not want to go. Childhood rearing played a huge role in my career plans--as I shared, that I have always want to help people. My greatest support from others were them helping me, to help others.

In layperson terms, what do you actually do at work?

Currently, I am a college instructor and the owner of a tutoring business--my duties are to help and embrace others to learn and enjoy learning. At work, I am approachable, I demonstrate good listening skills, follow curriculum, and make sure that everyone, within the sound of my voice, has a rewarding experience of learning and growing.

What is it like when your job gets tough?

When my job gets tough that is a variable, which states that something is not connecting to gain a favorable outcome. During moments like these, I must navigate through the obstacles and seek favorable outcomes. An example of my job getting tough would be--a student who has an attendance issue or refuses to meet time constraints as provided. Often positive reinforcement and other interventions serve as great advice and makes the job, of educating successfully a little easier.

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

As a student, I always helped people; whereby, helping others indirectly helped me to enhance soft skills. Soft skills are key practices to the preformances of a successful educator.

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

One piece of career advice that was (and still is) personally offered, is to maintain ethical balances at all times. If I could give another one, it would be never be afraid to be the only one standing for what is right --and know that the largest room is the room for improvement, and that room, is found within all of us.