Paula Sammons:
CLASS OF 1987
Battle Creek Central High SchoolClass of 1987
Battle creek, MI
Paula's Story
Life
Hi all! I currently work at a private foundation as program associate in the Youth and Education area. I help fund programs nationally. I graduated with my masters of social work degree in 2001 from WMU, and became a licensed masters social worker in 2005 with a macro speciality thru the work I do at the Foundation. I am currently working on getting my clinical license thru my post masters internship as a therapist at SAFE Place--a domestic violence shelter, as well as thru another internship as a high school counselor at Battle Creek Central. I'm pretty busy with board work also, and serve on the local board of the Boys and Girls Club of Battle Creek, as well as a national Board called the "Seasons Fund for Social Transformation."
What do I do for fun? Well, the list is long, but...I play on a women's ice hockey team in Kalamazoo--which is a blast. I also mountain bike, kayak on Michigan's rivers, white water raft, play indoor soccer, manage and play on my women's softball team, play some occasional tennis, jog, hike, walk, and I love photography. I have two dogs and a bunny rabbit. :) Am also in relationship but not married. Want kids. :)
I'm committed to cultivating world peace, alleviating social injustice and inequity, contributing to a more green environment, and basically trying to make the world a better place for kids to grow up in. Just a few small things huh?
I love traveling and taking adventures too. I've been to Sweden, Japan, Costa Rica, Canada, and many states in the U.S. for both work and pleasure.
That's me in a nutshell.
It was great seeing everyone at the 20 year high school reunion. I can't believe all this time has passed so fast! WOW!
School
Okay, starting from a young age...I attended Urbandale Pre-School when I was 4. Was I supposed to go back that far? haha. After that, I attended K-6 at Level Park Elementary, which is now no more, although it is now Operation Grad. I then went on to Northwestern Junior High School from grades 7-9. There I had fun participating on the track team running the mile and two mile, and other relay races. I also played tennis and won cities my 9th grade year. I...Expand for more
also was on the swim team and won the 50 yard butterfly in cities my 9th grade year. woo hoo! Too bad I can barely kick myself out of the water in butterfly now! Then I made my way to the infamous Battle Creek Central High School with you all from 10-12 grade, and graduated in 1987!! Yea!
College
I originally attended Kellogg Community College after high school and received my associates degree in computer/word information processing. I then took many classes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College towards a second associates in communications, but stopped 4 classes short. Darn. smile. Then i went on to Spring Arbor College at the Battle Creek location and received a Bachelor's Degree in Family Life Education. I then went on to receive my Master's Degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University. I quit school for now. haha. I definitely needed a break after my masters degree and currently have no plans to go back! I did take one photography course after that for fun. If I go back to school, it will be to take classes for personal interest or enjoyment most likely, although I might do something like attend a Leadership Academy or get a certificate in Holistic Health. But otherwise, forget it!
Workplace
Boy, I've worked everywhere all over Battle Creek over my years! I keep trying to leave this city, but it must be the smell of cereal that keeps me here. At least I've traveled alot for my job! Eeks. smile. I may someday make my way to Oregon (I love it there!), or to some other state that offers the allure of outdoor activities that I love, or the culture and arts! Anyway, back to the original question...I've worked too many places to name. But all you need to know is now I work in philanthropy in the youth development and education fields, and I have some ideas about the future but will keep you all in suspense. Thru my internships, I have also been a therapist, mental health advocate, social worker, and counselor. I enjoy making impact thru building relationships and thru systems change.
Military
I have never been in the military, although some bosses I've had have mimicked the feeling of the military probably.
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