Determination? Zach once held two jobs – one as full-time manager, another as part-time
clerk – in two different bookstores while researching and applying to grad school
programs and writing short stories and poetry in his spare time.
Dedication? Zach often worked sixty-hour weeks in order to satisfy corporate initiatives,
bond with his staff, and create an enticing environment for both colleagues and
customers.
Glamour? He once helped pop music diva Cher select Christmas presents, and
recommended good reads to actress Jodie Foster and writer Erica Jong. Yet as
stimulating and alluring as these events were, Zach willingly left them behind in order
to experience the challenges and opportunities of his new career: School Library
Media Specialist!
It’s true: Zach has never felt “at home” in a profession until now. And to think that it took
an unexpected layoff from his Human Resources job to provide the motivation for applying
to the GSLIS program. Zach deeply missed bookstore management, but no longer wanted to
deal with the inconsistent schedules that retail demands. He had passed up the chance to
become an English teacher right after college, but still felt the pull towards working in
education. When Zach realized that the School Library Media profession would combine his
love of literature with his desire to teach, he had a personal “Eureka!” moment, and knew
that working as a school librarian would be the perfect career. Zach hopes to bring to his
new role the same determination and dedication he exhibited in his previous careers -- and
this time, he'll look for the glamour where it matters most: in the simple but profound
reward of the work itself. If only he could figure out a way to fit some kayak time into the
middle of the school day...
Paulina Shadowens
Above: Paulina models what the well-dressed
librarian is wearing this spring
As a Navy brat, Paulina spent much of her childhood moving up and down the Eastern seaboard, including Puerto Rico. No matter where she went, libraries were a constant in her nomadic life. They always felt like a special kingdom; to enter a new library for the first time was to stand on the threshold of adventure. When her family finally settled down in rural New Hampshire, there were no children her age for miles, so reading, writing, drawing, music, long walks, and make believe with her siblings kept her busy and happy.
Adulthood offered many more moves, from New England to Florida and back again, with lots of interesting jobs—and a Master’s in English literature—in between. Finally, in an epiphany moment, she realized:
Love of literature + Love of libraries
+ Love of serving people and making a difference
=
Librarianship!!
Paulina feels privileged to be part of this program and to be part of this wonderful profession. When not studying and completing all that is necessary for graduation in May, she still enjoys all the activities of her childhood and looks forward to pursuing another interest on a much greater scale: travel!!
