Welcome
Hello World! Welcome to my first blog.
In the world of tech, "Hello World!" is the beginning, and trying new things is part of everyday life. However, trying something new always comes with a mixed bag of excitement and jitters. As writing publicly with my own name is not one of my usual tools in the toolbox, this experience should be an interesting one. The first profile picture below is the public image I use for work on LinkedIn and my library-associated work. The second profile is my personal Facebook account. These two together highlight the duality of social media for me.
A little about me!
The background photo for this blog is the Louisiana sky view from my hammock in the backyard. My house is a zoo, and I actually mean we have kids and exotic pets. 😏 All images used below are personal photos and a video of our pets.
We have the common tabby cat and holland lop rabbit.
We have the more exotic pets: Crested Gecko, Leopard Gecko, and Sand Boa.
Personally, I probably do too much because I try to be an inspiration to my kids and support their ambitions. It truly is amazing how Emmalyn (artsy), Gabriel (techy), and Luke (sporty) approach the world in different ways. I am a mother of three children, a mentor for their elementary and middle school technology teams, a soccer mom, a basketball mom, a cheer mom, and an archery mom. However, before all of that, I'm a wife to a wonderful man dedicated to our family and supporting the families of our parish school as the Dean of Students. 
My special areas of technological coaching are in the field of drone, robotics, and esports, which bleeds into my work with STEM+ classes at work. All of which has the goal to inspire the next generation and fuel my curiosity about exploring how information, technology, and communication intersect.
Professionally, I am an ILS Support Clerk who helps ensure the accuracy of the automated information our library system uses and assists with training the staff, new or current. I spend a fourth of my time at work repairing specialty equipment such as Luzbot 3D printers, teaching STEM+ classes, or judging competitions. The path to this career has been an interesting journey. It started with volunteering in the Friends of the Library when I was a utility operations manager. Organizing books is oddly satisfying to me, and my husband's nightmare job. Then I went into a career in administrative freelancing, where I was introduced to the world of digitizing archives and private libraries. In 2021, I was invited to work full-time at the local public library. This is where I found my people and joined professional associations that have placed me among those in the state who strive to further librarian professional development and preserve the historical value of our community. I have the privilege to serve on the Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library Board of Directors and conference committees subgroups of the American Library Association (ALA), such as the Louisiana Support Staff Association of Libraries (LaSSAL), Louisiana Library Association (LLA), and Government Document Round Table (GoDORT)
At last, everything in moderation is key to a balanced life. Technology is good and bad; it is all in the method an individual chooses to use it. I have seen social media grow from the Myspace days to the present day, and I have educated myself on the future predictions of use. For me, I will choose to use it to tie the past with the future and keep trying to guide all generations that seek help. My life philosophy usually references JRR Tolkien's work, something like "Not all who wander are lost."
I know a little about a lot of things and a lot about the things that interest me, so I look forward to discovering this new territory of technology with you all. Cheers to new skills and knowledge!
It sounds like there is never a dull moment for you, Brittney! What does the ILS stand for? Thanks for giving us a peek into your background. I always love to hear that folks are impacted by professional associations. I've been heavily involved with ISTE (International Society for Techology in Education) throughout my career and it's been highly influential in who I am as an educator. I'm looking forward to learning more with you this spring.
ReplyDeleteAs ILS is part of my title, I sometimes forget that people do not always know what it means. ILS stands for Interlibrary System, meaning our department handles the software, record accuracy, and automated information that connects our ten libraries across the parish (parish is the same as another state's county). As for the ISTE, you peaked my interest because I am often asked to coordinate or mentor educational groups in different areas of technology. However, my greatest challenge in this regard is my middle son. He has pushed the boundaries of technology since he was six and adapted to teaching himself advanced coding now that he is in middle school. I would love advice.
DeleteHello! I love the colors you picked! So nice. I also use my hammock as my getaway. I love a good outside nap in the heat of the summer! ◡̈ We are such opposite humans with everything else (not in a bad way!). I love meeting women who enjoy STEM and technology because I am not interested in those things as much. My artsy fartsy brain took in just enough tech knowledge to be literate, but please don't ask me to keep a spread sheet or trouble shoot ANYTHING. I am glad women like you exist!
ReplyDeleteIt is funny you say that we are opposites because my primary skills with technology is considered more on the artsy side. Most people think of spreadsheets and coding when they picture someone working in Information Technology (IT). So yes, I do have an extensive background in payroll, banking, insurance, and business management. However, the greatest part my current job is the ability to create. The shelves of my office are covered in 3D models sculpted in programs like Tinkercad and Blender, Cricut creations, and art supplies like Chibi sewing electronics. I love scaling scary technology like Dragonframe for stop animation and Inkscape for creating .svg (commonly used for Cricut and Glowforge projects) down to a child's understanding. You may not create art with a soldering irons and disassemble computer towers as a scavenger hunt in your classroom, but I do not believe we are too different in our artistic view of the world.
ReplyDeleteA side note, where I live, we avoid being outside too long during summer, heat advisories. I can only use my hammock from fall to spring. :)