Who I am ≠ What I do

The next question, of course, is whether I have an engineering degree myself. Spoiler alert: No. No, I do not.

I am a communication specialist embedded in the Glenn Department of Civil Engineering at Clemson. Most of the time, whether or not I have an engineering degree is a harmless inquiry posed to further the conversation. Sometimes, though, the question is posed to discredit my qualifications and question my value to the field.

It’s been a long, winding, and often painful road to travel to this place in my career.

Quite honestly, this isn’t a place I ever imagined landing. I spent the beginning of my career as a newspaper journalist. Later, I transitioned into philanthropy –raising money for various non-profits. I spent two decades building a career in development and had high aspirations.

All of that came to a crashing halt in 2018. One day I had a career; the next, I didn’t.

I grieved this loss and wandered aimlessly for a while. God showed me that my identity was too wrapped up in what I do and not who I am in Him.

I was presented with an opportunity to teach one course in public speaking. To my surprise, I loved it. When a student told me I was her favorite instructor, I cried tears of joy. I had no idea I would enjoy teaching as much as I do. God placed this hidden gem inside me – a passion for teaching – that I didn’t know existed until I could do it.

For the next three years, I dreamt of becoming a full-time instructor – only to receive one or two courses. I waited impatiently for God to provide an opportunity to fulfill this calling. It’s a strange notion for someone with a journalism degree and an MBA to teach civil engineering courses.

To combat my own doubts and unwanted critics, I worked for a month this summer alongside engineers in various government entities and consulting firms to gain first-hand experience to bring back to the classroom. My goal in this endeavor was to bring legitimacy to my role. No longer could colleagues or students devalue my work because I had no engineering experience.

Now, I’m not comparing myself to King David, but I can relate to him. He was called to leadership and reached it through an indirect route. God literally plucked a lowly shepherd boy from the fields who would be a future king. If God can use a shepherd to lead a nation, despite the pitfalls he experienced along the way, then I know He can use my skills and talents to lead future engineers.

My career path still isn’t obvious. The NSF grant funding for my position has ended. I’m teaching without a defined role or designated funding. 

However, I know that if God called me to this role, then He will provide the way.

I still get questions about my qualifications, but I no longer take those criticisms to heart. I know that God has used my sometimes painful life experiences to equip me for this time and place. My security rests in Him.

These are invaluable lessons that, along with communication, I share with my students.