Karen Godbey-Fleck

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

Follow your heart in making decisions. Do not go into a line of work because that is where you are being pushed. Work hard, finish what you start and stay in-tune with yourself. You only have one life to live so make it one that pleases you.

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

When I was a student I was obsessed with school. The main thing that I did outside of school was play sports and participated in clubs. These things showed me a different side to school. It made me proud and want to work hard. School was all that I had. To be honest, I didn't do anything outside of school except visit my grandmothers. I enjoyed my time with them and they knew that they were loved. That made me feel complete.

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

I picked my career largely due to sports. I wanted to teach high school and coach softball. I even thought that I would be a college softball coach someday. That did not happen. I went into education and had a 13-year career. I have been a teacher, coach, Athletic Director and Assistant Principal. I was also the Director of Education at a tutoring center. I had made it as far as I wanted to go. I enjoyed all of the skills that I attained within my career. I am now looking for what life brings me next.

What is it like when your job gets tough?

When your jobs gets tough it is no fun. Some days you feel like you won't make it. You may blow up at someone, cry, throw things or hold all of your feelings inside. You have to find a way to make it through. Take a step back and figure out why things are tough; it may not be your job at all. Leave your personal life at home and your professional life at work. Keep this balance and you will have fewer tough days.

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

I am currently a business office associate at Carmax. I review and sign paperwork with my clients. I take money, work in titling and teach customers about complicated situations regarding power of attorney. </p> <p>I am a former administrator who had many duties. I was the supervisor of teachers and students. It was my duty to make sure that the school remained safe. I reviewed lesson plans, mentored new teachers, evaluated teachers, hired and fired staff, worked with students on many issues, met with parents, conducted professional development, developed curriculum, conducted testing, supervised activities and games, and many other duties as assigned.</p> <p>Athletic Director duties were as follows: Hiring and firing of coaches, hiring of officials, supervision of practices and games, scheduling of practices and games, preparation of fields and gyms, supervision of students, meetings with coaches and parents, and many other duties as well.

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

My parents were not particularly impressed with my decision to become a teacher. My father was a lawyer and wanted me to come work with him. They did not stand in my way, though. I kept moving forward with my career choice.

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

My first big break was when I moved from an Athletic Director's position to Assistant Principal. There was a shift in positions within my school district. I found out at 9:30pm on a Tuesday that I would be starting a new job the next morning. Did I mention that I was going to a completely different school as well?! It was a crazy ride but went fine. I definitely used what I learned it college to make it through.

How did you start building your network?

Anyone can become part of your network. First impressions are so important. Being your best self is so important. You never know what bridges you are building and what bridges you are burning. Do your best everyday, be kind to others and always try to set a good example.

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 I had to overcome was allowing myself to make a change. I finally decided that I wanted a different career and it is ok to change. You don't have to answer to anyone but yourself. Allow yourself to try new things. Don't be afraid of the change. Don't be afraid to fail. Don't be afraid to succeed.

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

One of my college professors told me not to be an elementary teacher. She told me that it just stressed me out too much. She told me high school is where I did my best teaching. I agreed.