Thank You to Parents

L-R: Timothy Anderson, UNL Teaching Council; Becky Faber, Recipient; Timothy Draftz, UNL Parents Association
L-R: Timothy Anderson, UNL Teaching Council; Becky Faber, Recipient; Timothy Draftz, UNL Parents Association

As an Assistant Director in the office of Career Services at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I work one-on-one with students on a daily basis. I ask them about their interests and skills to help them determine a reasonable choice for a major(s). I listen to their plans for the world of work and the type of life that they envision for themselves to be able to guide them into strategies for the job search or graduate/professional school. On a regular basis I tell them that my job is to help them get to where they want to be, and I hope that when they find that professional place that they will love it as much as I love what I do. My job is fun, challenging, enlightening, and rewarding.

Rewards in this profession come in a number of ways. Sometimes it is from hearing a student say as he/she leaves my office, “This has been so helpful. I’m glad that I came in to meet with you!” Another reward might be a thank-you note that arrives from a student who has secured a job or acceptance into a graduate/professional program. Certainly a very public reward is to be recognized by the UNL Parents Association.

I was recently recognized for the eighth time with a Certificate of Recognition for Contributions to Students. Not only was I touched to receive this recognition, but, quite honestly, the award becomes more meaningful each time. To be acknowledged in this manner is humbling beyond words.

This is what I want parents of UNL students to know: those of us who receive this acknowledgement do not take it lightly. It is an honor to receive your validation for the work that we do. This validation is not only personal for the recipient, but also extends broadly for what we see others do on this campus. To see my colleagues being similarly recognized, year after year, reinforces my belief that your students are receiving a fine education and careful guidance at UNL.

Thank you for showing us that you value the ways in which we interact with your students.

Becky Faber, Assistant Director, Career Services