Beyond the Classroom: Rachel Butler
By Marcia Wilson
CPTC is launching a new feature, where we will profile members of our community on a regular basis. Inspired by “Wild Card with Rachael Martin,” the questions for “Beyond the Classroom” are selected randomly and meant to get at the personality of our subject. We hope you enjoy getting to know our college’s members – students, faculty, staff, alumni, board members – as much as we do!
1) Question: Who’s been a mentor or role model for you here, and what have they taught you?
Answer: one of the people I really want to ID in this question would have to be Lisa Fortson from Financial Aid. She has absolutely showcased what grace through hard times looks like and maintains a wonderful level of professionalism even when people are being rude. That is something I truly admire because it is not an easy task, and she answers it with kindness, which in this world you don’t often get. She’s taught me that it’s ok to breathe. Take a walk; talk to a friend. It’s ok to bring authenticity to the workplace because that is professional.
2) Question: What’s a tool (literal or metaphorical) you can’t live without?
Answer: It’s going to sound so silly, but spellcheck on a computer! When I write things, I don’t have spellcheck so I’m constantly worried about spelling and professional grammar! I very much rely on it. I definitely cannot live without spellcheck!
3) Question: Technical college focus: Name one stereotype about technical college that you found isn’t true?
Answer: All right so what I have often overhead throughout my time is, technical and community colleges are for people who cannot make it in a 4-year. That’s not true; it’s for people who want to hit the ground running. They want to learn the skill and learn the job, the basis of it and continue to a BA if that’s what they want. They are capable of a 4-year school. They often choose a tech because of the cost. It can be cheaper to start with a community college, then move to a 4-year. You can actually save money. So that’s a smart financial decision. You have a pathway, and you can take it head on!
4) What’s one mistake that you made that turned out to be a gift?
Answer: One of the mistakes that I made, and I don’t know if it’s all a mistake now, looking back, but I went to a 4-year university right out of high school. About 2 years in I dropped out. I had other plans; I wanted to work, I wanted to party, I didn’t prioritize my education. I was ashamed of that. I came to Clover Park. A lot of my credits transferred and I was able to get a jump start. That was a gift; Clover Park was where I needed to be. I was offered opportunities for professional and personal growth that wouldn’t have been possible in the 4-year school; it wouldn’t have been available. It was a gift. I went from classified staff to faculty. I literally grew up in Clover Park. And I wouldn’t have been here without CPTC. I’ve grown up in this college. I tell this story to the students; they assume I started in a 4-year. Mine is a story that can be used motivationally. I look back and think, ‘Wow I’ve really gone far. I think there’s opportunity here at CPTC!’
5) Why did you choose CPTC?
Answer: I was choosing between Tacoma Community College and CPTC. TCC was one bus ride away; CPTC was two! Naturally you’d think I’d choose TCC because I had a small infant. I chose CPTC because I met the Work Force advisor, Jen Wyman, and she made me feel seen, and important. She set CPTC aside from TCC. TCC wasn’t the right fit for me; I wanted a place where I could stand out. CPTC felt like I was going to get an individual education and there were support systems that would help me. Kate Wendland and Jen Wyman all rallied together to ensure that I would make it… and I did! I really chose CPTC because of the people. I felt I could meet my goals, and here I am achieving them and exceeding them. It’s been a hard road but made achievable thanks to the people I was introduced to here.
6) Question: How would you describe your current job:
Answer: a little bit of a mishmash in Student Support Services and Instruction. I am the advisor and counselor – very similar to academic advisors – and mental health counselor. I teach classes with Gen Ed, and do classroom visits for professionalism and mental health. I have a broad umbrella. That’s one of the things I love the most. I get to change up my day. Because we have an employee out today, I’m helping find funding for this school. I’m very grateful that I can design my work for the day and have flexibility on my job. Note: Rachel was formerly the Director of Hayes Child Development Center on Lakewood Campus
7) Question: Can you think of a question you wish more people would ask you?
Answer: I think one of the questions I want people to ask is, what next? What comes after? I want more people to ask what’s next. This isn’t a completed journey. We still want to hold your hand and we care.