Hello! My Name Is…
My name is Kayla Janosik, and I am honored to be nominated for the Student Spotlight program. I am proud to be a part of the Averett Family and am enjoying my graduate program. Currently, I am a Group Leader working for Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories PSS. My ambition is to climb the corporate ladder in hopes to be a director of a laboratory. My family includes my wonderful and supportive husband of 7 years, two beautiful teenage daughters, and two cute dogs. Our daughters keep us busy with academic clubs, college tours, and Color Guard. On my downtime, I enjoy being in the outdoors: hiking, skiing, kayaking, etc. Also, I enjoy traveling and always try to plan at least one trip to someplace different each year with the family (although Disney World has been in there a few times).
What is your motivation for obtaining your degree here at Averett University?
In May 2017, there was a Group Leader position that opened up in our company that I wanted. I had the years of work experience in that group and applied. Unfortunately, I did not receive the position. I asked my manager what I could do to improve my resume; what was missing that overlooked me for the position. My manager’s response was I did not have an advanced degree. My next words, “Okay, watch this!!!” I immediately began researching different graduate programs.
I asked my manager what I could do to improve my resume; what was missing that overlooked me for the position. My manager’s response was I did not have an advanced degree. My next words, “Okay, watch this!!!”
Why did you choose Averett University’s Graduate & Professional Studies program?
I needed to find a graduate program that would allow for the flexibility of my family’s schedule. I do not have the luxury of having the same day/time available every week (see question 1-two very busy daughters). I asked a few colleagues where they received their graduate degrees and researched their schools programs. Then a colleague told me she received her degree from Averett University. That evening, I got online and checked out the different programs. The online graduate program was exactly what I was looking for. I could dictate my own schedule based off the professor’s syllabus and not feel overwhelmed about balancing 3-4 classes at a time. The classes are taken one at a time and in shorter bursts than the average school allowing for me to stay focused and not become bored. The next day, I was on the phone with Andrea Levengood asking her lots of questions, including how do I get started!
How has your degree from Averett University assisted you in your career?
Currently, I am in the beginning stages of my academic graduate career so the extent of assistance for my career path has been minimal. One of the classes I have finished, Organizational Behavior, did provide me with knowledgeable skills on interacting with employees and improving the work environment for my team members.
What advice would you share for current and incoming students in Averett University’s GPS Program?
Make sure you have a plan for studying. The intensity of the classes and the short time structure can make it easy to become stressed with submitting assignments on time. Balancing work, home, social, and school life can be very overwhelming so having a study plan for the week can allow for you to balance things accordingly. Class weeks begin on Monday, so the Sunday before the new week I take ten minutes to look at all my schedules and make room for school time. Sometimes, I have to escape my loud and busy home to go to the library, but it’s all manageable if you stay on top of your assignments.
What keeps you motivated while in your degree program?
I started this journey as a way to advance my career and that plays a part in my motivation, but my biggest motivation is my family. My family has helped tremendously around the house (give a big round of applause to the husband who has done ALL the laundry since I have started) and have watched me, on many occasions, sit at our dining room table writing and studying. I want our daughters to see me studying/writing, especially on days when my motivation is low, so they know it is not only them who endure the same struggles in school, but at the end of it, when it is all done, it’s worth it.
What is your anticipated date of graduation?
My anticipated date of graduation is December 2019.
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