Gardian
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Q and A with Kristen Parker, digital content manager for Event Garde.
Q: Learn: Let’s say you’re helping your child or friend with some homework. What’s your strategy for helping them learn a difficult topic?
A: My sons are math whizzes. As a writer, I do words, not numbers, so if they need help with math, they’re on their own! (But sometimes I can help my daughter with her math.) But if any of my kids needs help with non-math homework, I first ask what they’re trying to accomplish and what the teacher’s expectations are. I then try to compare situations to real life, to help them retain information. It seems to work.
Q: Network: Some people are wallflowers while others are natural networkers. Which are you (or are you in the middle)?
A: It may be surprising since I’m in communications, but I’m an introvert when it comes to networking. I usually find it difficult to strike up conversation, but I always think it’s easier when food is involved. So, I often start at the food table.
Q: Transfer: Let’s say you just attended a certification course. What would be your first step in applying what you learned?
A: I take copious notes when I attend professional development events. So, my first step is to review the notes I’ve taken and to then make a list of ways in which I can apply newly learned tips. I then print my notes and post them on the bulletin board in my office. I usually share what I’ve learned during our staff meetings so that we all benefit from the knowledge.
Q: Please share with us a resource you can’t live without.
A: I’d say Google, but I’m sure that’s what most people would say! I can’t live without the Associated Press style guide. As a former journalist, I live by AP style. (For those who don’t know, this is the style of writing that reporters use – and we use for this blog.) However, AP frequently makes changes, so I subscribe to the online version to stay up to date.
Q: Do you make New Year’s resolutions, and, if so, how do you stick to them?
A: For years, on Jan. 1, I’d make a handful of resolutions: lose weight, exercise more, get organized, etc. But within a month, those were usually broken. So, I decided to forgo resolutions and make lifestyle changes instead. This year, my lifestyle will include healthier habits and taking more time for myself!
