It's a Job on Which to Build a Career

By Virginia Thomas
Southwest Technology Center

At 15 years of age, Robin Williams began her employment career as a French fry cook for a fast food restaurant in downtown Wichita, Kansas. In the 10th grade she quit school and passed the GED.

Since that time she has held a number of jobs including nanny, school bus driver, nurse aide, waitress and corrections officer. However, she had never held a job that she considered a “real “career until last week when she became the assistant to Barbara Call, vice president of information systems at Red River Federal Credit Union.

“I am happy to have a job,” she said, “but I am especially glad to have one that is salaried, full time with full benefits.”

Until enrolling in the networking and PC repair program at Southwest Technology Center in the fall of 2005, Williams said she took jobs that were available and made the best of the job she had.

Then, in 1998 she bought her first computer and discovered an interest that grew, and the more she learned about computers, the more she wanted to know. After learning to operate the computer, she was compelled to open it up to see what was inside.

Finally, she was able to save enough money over time to go to school for a year instead of working and enrolled at SWTC.

Not only did she hope her schooling would lead to better opportunities, she also wanted to send a message to her 10-year old daughter Raena Faith. Williams said, “I wanted to show my daughter how important education is, that it is worth the sacrifice.”

At SWTC she was selected to do on-the-job training with Jon Kidwell, director of technology, and upon his retirement with his replacement Matt Switzer. While working with them, she helped to update, upgrade and maintain computers. She also observed the set up of a new server.

During her first week as the assistant to the Red River Federal Credit Union vice president of information systems, Robin Williams begins learning about the different department. Showing her around is Ron Henexson, vice president of finance.

In her position at Red River Federal, she will first spend time at every position in the bank to appreciate ways in which the employees use their equipment. She will then assist Call in maintaining the computers and the network.

Admitting that she is experiencing butterflies, Williams is excited to realize her goal of working with computers. “Computers fascinate me,” she said. “Technology evolves so quickly no one will ever know everything about computers. Working with computers, I will continue to be constantly learning.”

Her networking and PC repair instructor Pat Good describes Williams as a self starter with an amazing work ethic. He said, “She has a fantastic attitude and aptitude and picks up technical concepts better than most master’s degree level professionals.”

Switzer said, “This is a great opportunity for Robin, and she deserves it.”