My GCC experience began as a Kelly Temp in Human Resources. I applied for the permanent position I was filling on a temp basis. Unfortunately, soon afterward, the sometimes severe psych difficulties I’d suffered for 20 years recurred in late December 1996.

I disappeared from my HR position overnight to be hospitalized at Franklin Medical Center. Upon discharge in February, I called the HR director to sign my last Kelly Temp timecard only to asked to interview for the position. To say I was flabbergasted would be an understatement. I’d left with no warning so I never expected to be given a chance at the permanent position. However, after interviewing, I was hired and began my career at GCC on March 31. I never suffered another breakdown requiring hospitalization.

The GCC HR Department from 1997 to 2001 consisted of one full-time director and me, the half-time clerical assistant. The director was not trained in HR but instead had a juris doctorate degree and mostly performed legal advising to the college president at that time. When the current president, Robert Pura, took over, the Human Resources Department became a real HR Department and the focus landed on the college’s employees. As the department evolved, I was given the unique opportunity to develop, too. Also, the more tasks we took on, the more staff we needed so I was promoted to a full-time coordinator and a full-time staff assistant was hired.

With the support and encouragement of various supervisors, I completed an A.A. in Liberal Arts from GCC in 2008. In 2013, my supervisor enabled me to take a prep course for one of the most demanding and highly regarded certifications in the field of HR, the Senior Professional of Human Resources (SPHR) granted by the Human Resources Certification Institute. Nearly 50 percent of those who take this exam fail the first time. After the course, I took the exam and passed it on the first try. This certification has been compared to having a master’s degree in HR.

GCC gave me room to evolve from a frightened, passive victim into a confident, self-assured professional. This great little community college helped me as a student, professionally and it gets much of the credit for my transformation from a victim into a victor. Thank you, GCC!

Kathleen Forster

Human Resources Coordinator

Greenfield Community College