Self-Improvement Enthusiasts Unite! Contest Winner Revealed

We all have things we could improve upon, right? Well, here on OfficeArrow we applaud those who continually strive to learn and better themselves. For the past few weeks, we asked our members to share their stories about how they've invested in themselves and improved their circumstances in one way or another. Big thanks to those who participated! We very much enjoyed reading about what you all are currently working on.

Congratulations are in order for Melissa Zimmerman (OA member: mzimmerm) of Hampton, VA. Melissa will receive:

• A $25 Amazon gift card
• A free copy of Write It Down, Make It Happen: Knowing What You Want And Getting It by Henriette Anne Klauser

She shares:

"An easier question to answer would be 'What don't I do to improve?' I LOVE to learn and jump at every opportunity to learn almost anything.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Linguistics in only 3 years and have taken graduate courses in Applied Linguistics just for fun.

Being a feminine, professional admin who has no manual dexterity, most people are surprised to learn that I have taken classes to learn to weld, drive a tractor-trailer, and blow glass. The first two were one-time schools, but my husband and I take at least one glass-blowing class each year. We've made things like shot glasses, paperweights, bowls, flowers, etc.

I've completed more than 100 hours of online training this year, such as Skillsoft courses (provided by my employer), the '26 Weeks to Administrative Excellence' webinars from Joan Burge, and webinars from the American Management Association.

In the last few weeks, I've started listening to various podcasts to make the most of the time I spend sitting in traffic each day. The podcasts vary from the Disability Law Lowdown, the American Management Association, GrammarGirl, and The Public Speaker.

To enhance my leadership and interpersonal skills, I joined IAAP in December 2008. I currently serve on the Membership Committee, co-chair the Public Relations Committee, and maintain the Peninsula Chapter website (which I wrote from scratch, without prior experience, when HQ switched our website host). Because my public speaking skills are lacking, I volunteered to do a 1-hour program on Internet resources at last week's chapter meeting. Attendees received recertification points from IAAP and seemed to enjoy it!

I ravenously read articles, blogs, etc. online to learn about areas in which I feel I need more education. To help me in my role as webmaster, I have joined several social media sites and have followed/friended prominent PR and web programming experts, started a blog promoting and reviewing noteworthy articles, and have saved [approximately] 500 bookmarks on Delicious.

I participate in workshops and seminars throughout my state. Recently, I attended seminars for administrative professionals in Lynchburg, Charlottesville and Newport News. I am nearing completion of the 7-week Level 1 class of the Hampton Diversity College (a free service of the City of Hampton) and have already enrolled in the Level 2 class that begins in October. I am certified in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and have taken employer-sponsored trainings in Human Rights, Workplace Violence, Incident Reporting, Vehicle Safety and Maintenance, and Accident Reporting and Investigation.

At the recommendation of the Director of Hampton Diversity College, I recently read From Boomers to Bloggers: Success Strategies Across Generations by Misti Burmeister to assist me in leading an intergenerational team of admins in my office. I am currently reading the IAAP Office Handbook and Bill Bryson's The Mother Tongue.

I also plan to begin studying to earn my CPS/CAP and Microsoft Office Specialist certifications.

I love to learn and am proactive in finding new subjects about which to learn and new ways in which to learn them. Except for certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, none of these learning opportunities are mandated by my employer or by anyone else. The part that really amazes me is that most of these resources are free! Aside from formal classes, I'd estimate that I've only spent [approximately] $300 for IAAP membership and various conference registrations! It just goes to show that you can seek self-improvement and broaden your horizons, no matter what your budget."

That is more than impressive, Melissa! Congrats on being a self-improvement superstar. And hey - don't forget to check out the OfficeArrow podcasts and webinars too!!

Thanks again to all of you who participated and shared your positive stories with our community! Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another great contest announcement you do not want to miss.