As a high school senior, I “didn’t want to go to an all-girls school”.
After experiencing a few important life events and gaining a lot of maturity, I transferred to Trinity College – a women’s liberal arts institution – in 1995. I still remember the sign on my advisor’s wall that read, “Go to graduate school and become the doctor your mother wanted you to marry”. I graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor’s in Sociology.
I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work in 2008 after working full time in human services for over a decade.
For years I would say, “one day I’m going to teach a college course”, but I put no real thought or effort into it.
When I was ready to launch an internship program I reached out to my former professor at Trinity (now Trinity Washington University) and was scheduled to speak to her Senior Seminar course. When the class ended, the professor and I talked for hours about the K-12 achievement gap, demographic changes at the university, gentrification, teen pregnancy, nontraditional college students, workforce development, violence against women and girls, violence committed by women and girls, and a host of other topics that interest “social researchers”.
An email about an internship program led to an invitation to present to a college class which led to sharing my experiences and views over lunch which led to a recommendation to the department chair which led to the submission of an adjunct application which led to 8 years of teaching sociology, human relations, and social work courses to women at my alma mater.
I am a proud alumna and a proud professor at Trinity Washington University.
Moral of the story:
- Your words have power. Speak life over your life.
- No experiences are wasted. All things work together for good.
- If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.
If you need help connecting the dots for your career experience to launch into your next level, let’s set up a time to chat.
Nicki Sanders, MSW, ushers high-performing women of color in mid-level social work and human services leadership through promotion to senior leadership. As Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, her mission is simple – to eliminate toxic workplaces by developing skilled, empathetic, and goal-oriented leaders who have the vision, support, and resources to create a culture where business prospers, and employees thrive individually and collectively. Nicki has an extensive background in nonprofit management leading high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams. She is an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life and career aligned with her values and purpose. Nicki is a lover of cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
© 2022 Copyright Protected. ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED.