From running her own pet setting business on the side to working in the supportive environment of the Learning Commons at Parkland, Emma Fish manages a busy schedule. Along with taking 15 credit hours and serving as the Student Government Association’s (SGA) secretary, she continues to refine her time management skills while doing what she loves.
Academic Background
Fish is currently in her second year at Parkland College and is completing her general studies credits before transferring to a university to study speech-language pathology When asked about why she chose her career path, Fish answered “It means a lot to me to be able to care for others, so becoming a speech pathologist and being a part of helping children succeed at their most developmentally crucial ages is important to me.”
Taken by Hany Bombales
Work Experience in the Learning Commons
Due to good networking, Fish launched herself into a solid work experience at the Learning Commons. After being provided with application resources and receiving an interview invitation, she completed her training the week before the Fall 2024 semester began. Since then, her typical shifts have ranged from three to five hours, balancing front desk responsibilities, shelving and special projects.
At the front desk, she checks out and returns books and technology, explains resources such as the printing and scanning process as well as assisting with patrons’ questions. If a request goes beyond her role, she redirects students to departments such as Tutoring & Learning Assistance or The Writing Lab.
Beyond desk work, she also helps with shelf reading, organizing books, and projects like book weeding. “If you ever see a student worker staring at a bookshelf, that’s probably what they’re doing,” Fish explained. She also works in Technical Services, where she manages and categorizes the intake of mail, newspapers, and journals using the Learning Commons’ computer database.
For Fish, the best part of working in the Learning Commons is the supportive environment created by both employees and student workers. She explained that each shift is shaped by a positive attitude and a shared desire to help others. “I’m truly grateful that we have such a wonderful team that works together efficiently and has fun while doing it,” she says.
Finding a Balance Between Priorities
Balancing her responsibilities inside and outside the Learning Commons requires careful planning for Fish, from Student Government duties to her 15 credit hours. Time management, she admitted, is still a work in progress. “I could not survive without my planner,” she says, explaining that she spends about half an hour every Monday morning mapping out assignments, deadlines, and even her social life.
Learning Through the Learning Commons
Her role in the Learning Commons has also shaped how she approaches her own academics. Downtime at the front desk gives her the chance to study, and she said the job has “improved my time management skills by teaching me that there is time to complete my work. I just wasn’t utilizing it before.”
The position has also made her more involved with the resources offered at Parkland College. “While I take my tricky chemistry class this semester, I know peer tutoring is always open to help me out,” she says. Fish also encourages students to take advantage of the Learning Commons’ Librarians. “Make use of our resource librarians! They are experts in finding materials and knowing educational skills. If you ever need help finding a book, article, or even how to find cool keyboard shortcuts, they know a thing or two,” Fish says.
Fish’s Advice to Students
To Fish, thriving at Parkland starts with involvement. “Get involved! You’re here for a reason and you deserve to show up for yourself and make use of your time here,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to try new opportunities. Go to club meetings, even if you don’t want to join. Know you have people rooting for you and utilize your resources.”
Emma Fish’s journey so far is a reminder that with the right support and a willingness to get involved, students can make the most of their time at Parkland College.
