Interviewed by Sophia Marcum
I was lucky enough to run into Morgan, who graduated from Bluffton High School in 2014, while she was working at the Bluffton Public Library this summer. Our conversation led to this interview.
Where do you attend school and what are you studying?
I am currently attending Anderson University with a major in Organizational Management and a minor in Sociology.
What led you to this field of study?
Ha, funny story. I started out as a Finance major but as I was taking my classes I soon began to realize it wasn’t a good fit for me. I started thinking…”What else can I do?” At school, I work at our Career Development Center where we help guide undecided students towards picking the best career path. We also assist with resumes, job searches, and so forth.
I soon began to realize that this job sparked a passion in me that I never knew I had. I’ve since learned how important employment is in the way it can shape our lives. Once I discovered my hope to see myself in some form of Human Resources and or Job Development, I thought “Management it is!”
I love the irony there, it sounds like you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. What has been your favorite college class you've taken so far?
I took a course called American Civilization where I learned the truth about Christopher Columbus, John Smith, and Pocahontas.
What is the truth?!
The truth with John Smith and Pocahontas is that they were never lovers as Disney put it, they were just friends. With Christopher Columbus, I believe he had an apprenticeship that dealt with ship trading, which was his launching pad into discovering the new world.
What has been your favorite thing about working at the Bluffton Public Library?
It's been so much fun and I have enjoyed every part of it so far! Though, I would have to say the best part about working there is the staff. Everyone has been so kind to me. Even though I'm only there temporarily, they have all made me feel like I'm a part of the library family. I'm definitely going to miss working there.
Describe your ideal summer day in Bluffton.
Sleep in till 10 a.m.
Sip some tea
Enjoy bike rides
…and of course, you can't forget ice cream!
Tell us a little bit about your job last summer.
Last summer I had the opportunity to work at a summer camp in Minnesota called Camp Eden Wood. We worked with both kids and adults who had developmental disabilities.
What was one of your biggest takeaways from that job?
To be honest, it was my first time working with this population so I didn't really know what I was getting into. It was a very eye-opening experience, and if you haven't worked with this population before it’s difficult to understand what it will be like. They are people who, just like everyone else, were created in the Image of God.
The campers I worked with reminded me to enjoy the simple things in life, and the importance of gratitude. Every time I see pictures of that summer, I miss all the smiles and laughs. I now have so much respect for caregivers and the people who take time out of their days to help and love these people regularly.
You have always amazed me in your kindness towards others and your joyful spirit. Do you have any role models you look up to particularly?
Why thank you, I'm flattered. And yes, I have many. I have had family members, leaders, and friends whom I have looked up to or have been inspired by at one point or another; whether by their words or actions. All of them, though, share one thing in common. They’ve invested their time in me. This reminds me that I should do the same for others.
If you could go back in time and re-live one year of your life, or spring forward and live a year in the future...which would you choose and why?
This is a hard one. Well, I don't usually think about re-living my past…actually, I take that back. I want to go back to the year I traveled to Europe; take more pictures than I did and take in all the memories.
What was the last page you liked on Facebook? Do you remember why you liked it?
Let me check…it was Brene Brown. I liked the page because I'm currently reading one of her books called "Rising Strong." It's a must read.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Well, I guess what’s typical. I’d like to have a job and maybe have a family. Though, hopefully, I’ll be able to say I've been to six of the seven continents! (I can pass on Antarctica).
What's your spirit animal?
Ha, ha, a turtle. Slow and steady wins the race!
