WHY
I SPEAK
Angela Ballad-Landers - WSSC
"Think of a resumé. Your transcript is your resumé,"
Angela Ballard-Landers tells the students. Could she
make the connection any clearer?
This veteran speaker, who has conducted 43 presentations
across six counties, is the Community Outreach Coordinator
for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC).
It is her job to show people "how their habits affect
the environment," as well as to promote careers in
the water industry. She grew up in Washington, D.C.,
where she attended H.D. Woodson High School, and then
attended Howard University, and is completing her
degree through online classes at the University of
Maryland University College.
Like many speakers, she makes an effort to talk with
students in a way to which they can relate. She talks
about technology, music, and cars, and also uses PowerPoint
in her presentation. "Props help," she says. But when
asked about her number one strategy, she responds
with a one word answer: "Candy." A few seconds later,
while discussing other strategies, she returns to
her original point: "Candy works well."
In her talks, she stresses the costs to live, but
encourages students to look to a career that is going
to make them happy. She advises students to think
about their skills and hobbies, and how they can turn
their interests into a career. Of course, much of
their success depends on their academic record, so
she explains to them the importance of their transcript,
which surprises many students.
In addition, she encourages students to use the library,
which was an important institution in her life, growing
up. "I was raised by my grandparents," she says, "and
though they didn't have a lot of education, they instilled
in me the importance of achievement. "To this day,
I'm an avid reader." And for students who don't have
computers at home, the library's internet access opens
many doors to them. Lastly, she urges them to "step
out of your comfort zone. Try something different.
Talk to someone different."
Join Angela
in the classroom this year >
