A Five-Year Detour: My Journey to SKyPAC and Back

There was nothing more frightening to me as a young mother who had stayed home to raise children than the thought of going back to full-time work. For years I was a part-time preschool teacher working with three and four year-olds at a church. It was safe and sheltered.  Before children, my life was much faster.  After graduating from college, getting married, and moving back and forth to/from Georgia, I worked in sales at local newspapers. After that, I was an instructional assistant in the city school system.  Matt and I were serving in full-time ministry, working at our church, and he was attending seminary at Lipscomb.

Married life and babies happened quickly. And then suddenly, they were all heading to kindergarten.  I knew I wanted to ease back into work, but I had NO clue what I was going to do.  SKyPAC had opened in the spring of 2012, and they were hiring part time ticket office staff.  I remember thinking, Maybe I could do that?  And, they took a chance on me.

I always joke and tell people I was baptized by fire. Not only is the ticket office the front line for everything, but the gentleman who hired me quit that very week. Ouch!  After working my first show, coming from a very low key work world up until that point, I went home, sat in the bathtub, and cried. What in the world had I gotten myself into?! With the help of Katie, Debbie, and Sue, I powered on, and we became an unstoppable team. I caught on quickly, and the rest was history.

 

 

I was exposed to incredible artists and colleagues like Andee Rudloff, the late Brandon Bradshaw, and one of the most talented vocalists I’ve ever heard, Zac Bush, in the education department where I eventually transitioned into a full-time role.

 

 

Deb was my rock and automatic best friend. We made an instant connection — swapping stories and cheering each other on through the highs and lows. We'd throw paper planes over our next door cubicles for entertainment or when we were annoyed!  It was such a special friendship.

Jess was one of those people who could market anything. She was constantly thinking outside the box, always asking, “How can we make this work?” I assisted her on projects that we still laugh about (and stress about to this day - ha!).

 

 

Jennie was the rockstar ticket office manager who somehow managed to be everyone’s friend. She could handle high-pressure on sales, show nights, subscriptions, and settlements easily.  She carried the weight of the ticket office, protected her staff, and was always willing to assist frustrated patrons or address software issues.  It was a hard role!

 

 

 

Jan, Erin, Becky, Jackie, Betty, Lynn, Bob, Dane, Alex, Rob, William, James and so many others, past and present, poured countless hours into keeping SKyPAC running. There were long days, late nights, big shows, deadlines, budgets, and times that stretched all of us so thin!  SKyPAC became my home.

 

Eventually, I was in charge of the education department. I never in a million years saw myself working in a performing arts center, but oh, how I loved my role there!!! I worked with teaching artists: Kenny Lee with Blues in Schools, Chris Carmichael and the way he could make his violin talk to students, Andrew Wielawski (who once took me to lunch at Mellow and introduced me to mushroom soup) and could teach children how to carve stone, Anthony Alterio and dance workshops, Kevin Spencer who is still a close friend that led multiple magic camps and school workshops that left kids amazed, and Alfredo and Jennifer Escobar who brought folk dancing and art into classrooms. Storytelling residencies. Fencing clinics through Kentucky Shakespeare. Puppet making workshops with Bits n Pieces theatre. Bullying prevention workshops which led to meaningful conversations with students.  Those were just a few of the projects I had the privilege of coordinating which exposed thousands of students to experiences they might not have otherwise had.  And that was only the in-school component.

 

 

 

I loved the weeks of summer camps - the laughter, the nervousness, the friendships formed by Friday evening and Saturday performances. Our building was full of energy and excitement.  My own children were able to participate when they were younger.

 

 

 

 

School day matinees where thousands of children experienced live performances, some for the very first time.  It was such a treat seeing the looks on their faces when they walked into the building, when the lights dimmed and the curtain rose.  Being terrified myself because I had to go out on stage and introduce the groups and speak on all the building safety measures. 

 

Scholastic Art & Writing exhibitions and our arts galleries filled with student artwork and proud families coming in to check them out.

It was one of the most joyful seasons of my life. Then came COVID and the world had to pivot. I never want to minimize that season because so many people experienced loss.  Businesses went bankrupt.  Schools closed.  But losing my job was painful!  I had spent eight and a half years there. It was all I knew. That building, those people, our goals.  It was my adult life. I was filling out unemployment paperwork.  What in the world was the unemployment office? How did this work? How were we going to make it financially as a family?  I was terrified.  Not just of the logistics but of the unknown - starting over!

 

Then SKYCTC entered the picture.  Again, never did I dream I would be working in the world of higher education.  I'm not sure why it surprised me since I am surrounded by family who are educators.  I fell in love with it.  It was a welcome reprieve after SO much uncertainty.  I'd tried a few other things during the in-between and knew those were not the career paths I wanted.  They didn't fit.  This did.  It was a new beginning in a different setting.  I'm forever grateful to Renee White and Marsha Shorts (and the entire business division) who were so patient with me as I settled into my job.  Chris Royse was the perfect boss and one of the most selfless leaders I ever worked with.  I've met some of the most awesome people at SKYCTC.

 

 

 

After leaving my role with the business division, I transitioned over to Adult Education a little over a year ago.  It’s been incredibly rewarding. Working with adult learners and with such a dedicated team has taught me so much. It’s been inspiring to be a small part of someone’s bigger journey. Forever grateful for this group!!!

 

 

I like telling people I went from one Sky to another Sky.  And guess what, skies are on top and both of these places are the best at what they do.  Different mission but both life changing!  I've spent five incredible years at SKYCTC and honestly thought this would be the place I would close out my career.  But, life had other plans.  I received a call from a colleague at SKyPAC the week before last. She asked if I would consider coming back. It would be a new role, different from what I had done before.  She said she believed I would be a great fit.  After we hung up, my mind raced a million miles an hour.  SKYCTC was home and a safe place when I needed it.  But, I also felt this huge TUG on my heart.  It would be a chance to return to a place and people that I loved.  That's really hard to pass up.

After a nice discussion with SKyPAC's leadership team and long conversations with Matt, I knew my answer.  It was time to go back home.  That’s the only way I can describe it.  Not because SKYCTC wasn’t meaningful because it has been. But SKyPAC was where I  started and where I want to end. I’m excited, anxious, grateful...I’m also aware that returning doesn’t mean everything will be how it was.  It will be a new chapter, and I am okay with that.

Sometimes a detour is a good thing. I'm ready for what's next!  Stay tuned.

Be Kind to Our Zoomer

While I can’t speak for all of Gen Z, I can confidently say that our son is one of the hardest workers I know. Miles has held a job since he was 16, starting at Halloween Express and later moving to Southern Lanes Bowling Alley (both owned by the same family). He graduated high school early and began working at Meijer that December, where he has now been employed for over a year and has learned nearly every role in the store.

Last summer and early fall, he had the opportunity to gain experience in his field while also remaining employed at Meijer. Once college started, he decided to leave the position and focus on school while continuing to work at Meijer. While I won’t go into the details of what triggered that decision, I am grateful he was able to gain experience in a career he truly loves—just ask any of his instructors at SKYCTC.  What upset me most, however, was a comment made by his former supervisor right before he left: “You need to learn how to work.” There were some weeks he worked close to 50 hours in addition to working his job at Meijer.   I assume the comment was said in the heat of the moment, but given his work history, that statement felt so inaccurate and unfair.  

Beyond that experience, I have heard similar criticisms from members of older generations about Gen Z’s work ethic. While I can’t speak for all of them, I can confidently say that this stereotype does not apply to our son.

Miles has always been a hard worker, dating back to his years as a varsity golfer, where he earned a top-five position on the team starting in eighth grade. Golf is far from an easy sport and requires consistent daily practice and discipline. Many tournaments meant spending six to eight hours on the course in challenging conditions—heat, rain, and long days of walking while pushing or carrying clubs.

On top of golf, he has always cared about his physical health and fitness. He has been a gym member for as long as I can remember and would often work nine-hour shifts before heading straight to the gym afterward.

We’ve experienced one of the worst snowstorms in recent history over the past few days. Yet since last Wednesday, our son has reported to work every single day—sometimes even working overtime—driving in hazardous conditions and helping keep the store running with only two or three others on staff.  Others had to call out—and I understand that, not passing judgement at all—but not him. Not our 19-year-old. He shows up early and stays late.  And because he still lives at home, I can't relax until I see him pull into the driveway. As a mom, I worry every single time he’s on those roads!

We are beyond proud of him. He has worked hard and saved for years, and last weekend he was able to purchase a beautiful new car—something he earned entirely through his own effort and discipline.

Today, my son who also has to work tonight, spent two hours helping me scrape a path on our driveway.  I went inside for two Advil, an Epsom salt soak, and slathered on Aspercream, while Miles headed to the with a friend to work out.  Aging is fun and humbling!

 

So what’s the point of this post? I’m not entirely sure there needs to be one. Maybe it’s simply a reminder not to judge an entire generation by the same standard, and to be mindful of the words we use. You never know how deeply a comment can affect someone who is already doing their best and working hard to build their future.  Please help me congratulate our hard working son!

The Road Back to Richmond and the BIG 2-1

Isaac headed back to Richmond after a long holiday break at home, though the send-off didn’t land quite the way we had pictured it. Last Wednesday, he was diagnosed with COVID. I was convinced it would be Flu A—because it seems like everyone on the planet has it right now—but COVID surprised us both and really did a number on him.

I found myself thankful that we celebrated his 21st birthday on the 11th, the weekend before he left. Once he got so sick, I was grateful we hadn’t tried to squeeze it in later. I’m never completely sure when he plans to head back to school, and I didn’t want to rush his birthday just in case he decided to leave early. I’m so glad we didn’t.

This time last year we were in the middle of a brutal winter storm—the temperatures got so low a pipe burst and flooded our house. Looks like we are headed down that path again this week.

 

I ordered some Zaxby's chicken fingers, made mac and cheese, Texas toast, and deviled eggs.  I picked up some coleslaw from GFS which I think is phenomenal and some Sunchips.  Pap and Nana brought a brocoli salad and some hot sausage dip.  It was a feast.  I also got his favorite for dessert - a cookie cake from The Cookie Store.

 

I can't believe Isaac is 21 years old!  We try to celebrate before he leaves for school and because his birthday falls right after Christmas, it's an easy time to get together.

 

I’m thankful that Isaac has the most wonderful family in the world. Showing up is what they do—without hesitation, even with a short moments notice - whether it’s celebrating milestones, helping us through hard days, or filling our house with food and laughs, they are always there!!  And next May when he graduates, they will be there!  The best!!!

 

 

Football is on 24/7 at our house these days!

My fabulous family of 5!  Love them so much!

 

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES!

 

All My Adults Under One Roof!

I knew Thanksgiving would look a little different this year. - that's what happens when your kids start "adulting."  Plus, our daughter is a nurse so holidays are part of the deal.  I got a little emotional the day of Thanksgiving knowing it would be the first in 23 years that she wasn't there sharing that moment with us.  

 

We started the morning at Pops and Meme's where I brought Matt's late aunt Karen Lou's cornbread stuffing - a labor of love but totally worth it.  I also was able to snag a Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake from My Mother's Daughters cheesecakes (out of Morgantown).  Holy moly, it was delicious!! All the food was wonderful.

 We ended the day at Pap and Nana's where another feast was served.  There's lots of magic in a big family, and I am thankful for these blessings!

I know Thanksgiving is technically just another day, but it still felt strange not having Karson there with us. I guess this is what life with adult children looks like — a new kind of normal, and learning to adjust our expectations as they grow up, build their own lives, and navigate their own responsibilities.  It's okay, I'm ok, everything is ok.  She was able to join us Friday evening and spend the weekend with us before heading back home. I made her a plate so she could enjoy a full feast!

This crew had a fun time at the Deaton family gathering and ended the afternoon at Zootopia 2!!!

November is always a whirlwind of celebrations on top of the holiday craziness. We celebrated my mother-in-law’s birthday, and then celebrated Matt over Thanksgiving weekend. Somehow, in the middle of all the hustle, I even managed to get the Christmas tree up — and I’m absolutely knocking it out of the park by getting ahead on my shopping this year.  WOO!

We were also able to get that family picture with the five of us!  My heart is happy when we are all under one roof!  Our birthday boy only has one more year in his 40's!

Fun fact - my sister enjoys having a high school picture with our kids in their cap and gown. Karson's senior year was one of the Covid ones, so everything was a little wonky. I had an actual cap and gown session done with a photographer. When Isaac graduated, there was photographer at the event snapping photos on a backdrop. For Miles, I had heard Red Elephant was covering all the WCPS graduations, but I never received any links or information to view them — and honestly, I’d forgotten about it. This week, Shannon texted asking about a cap-and-gown photo, and that’s when I realized I never had one for Miles (besides the ones we took before and after the event ourselves). I reached out directly to Red Elephant… and I’m so glad I did, because I LOVE this picture!

BLESSINGS:: Sometimes life reminds me just how lucky I am to have three amazing adult children.

 

Miles received his universal certification, passing all four of his EPA Section 608 exams. also got his OSHA 10 Construction certification. He's been studying hard, and it paid off! Thank you SKYCTC for such an awesome first semester!!!

Isaac got a work recognition for picking up the remaining tab for someone's groceries (he's a cashier at Meijer) and also was recognized by his professor for a canned food drive he coordinated with his fraternity. I love his heart! Brag alert: over the summer, Isaac spent a lot of time studying and preparing to take the LSAT. He got his score back the week of Thanksgiving break, and it was super high and competitive. I am proud of his goals and determination. Isaac is home for an extended time and working for Charles M. Moore insurance - he interned for them in the summer and they asked if he wanted to return during his winter break. Right now, the future is wide open for our boy who will graduate next spring.

Karson received a Daisy nomination at the hospital. Night shift work is very difficult, and I am thankful for her dedication and compassion for such a mentally tough role!

We’re already a week into December! The years continue to fly by, and it’s amazing how quickly moments turn into memories. I am appreciative of time spent together and thankful to have all the kids under one roof a few days! Where are you Christmas?!?!?