Jim Correll, director Fab Lab ICC at Independence Community College, Independence Kansas 

Many people, associated with Independence Community College, will remember Odalis Martinez. A native of Venezuela, she came to ICC to play volleyball with only a suitcase and $170 borrowed from family and a stranger. She had never flown on an airplane nor been outside of Venezuela. She knew no English. She asked all of her instructors to put her assignments in writing so she could use Google to translate them into Spanish. She completed each assignment in Spanish, then used Google to translate into English. Today, her writing in English is among the best of college student writing, even compared to those for which English is their native language. We got acquainted with Odalis when she came to work in the Fab Lab as a work study.  

After a few months, while still learning English, Odalis joined Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the world’s largest academic organization for community college students after answering a misunderstood question. In a conversation with other PTK members, they asked if she would like to join. She thought they were asking if she was enjoying her stay in America and at ICC. She said, “Yes, very much.”  

At my suggestion, she took the Entrepreneurial Mindset class and says it gave her the courage to run for international office in PTK; president. Although she lost by a slim margin, she spoke to and met hundreds of students from around the world. She says now, she’ll never be afraid to take an opportunity because of her shift in thinking from the Mindset class. 

She went on to Mississippi State University (MSU), receiving scholarships and sometimes working two jobs while being a full-time student. She was recently graduated and will be attending Hult International Business School in Boston in the fall. Is she apprehensive about attending such a large school in such a large city? Yes, but remember, she learned never to be afraid of a new opportunity. 

Since graduating from ICC she has asked me on a couple of occasions to write letters of recommendations or complete questionnaires on her behalf. I’m always happy to oblige. Odalis is one of the most remarkable young people I’ve ever met so I’m happy to help her in any way I can. Such was the case when she sent me this questionnaire a few days ago. Fortunately, it had only one question. As I pondered my response, I have to think that if, in addition to any necessary technical skills, everyone possessed these four aspects of professionalism, the world would be a far different place. 

What are your expectations of professionalism for staff and colleagues? 

To view problems as opportunities  

Problems are really opportunities awaiting solutions. Everyone is in the business of solving problems whether for customers or for one or more employers. Those learning to be innovative problem solvers in all aspects of our lives will be the best and brightest in the marketplace while enjoying a great sense of fulfillment.  

To use empathy  

Being empathetic is to fully know and understand the problem to solve from the user perspective. We come up with better solutions when we “walk in the shoes” of the ones for which we are trying to solve problems. 

To have a growth mindset  

Those with a growth mindset understand that we must prepare ourselves for life-long learning through experience and that experience, including the mistakes along the way, are the best teachers. Constantly increasing and adding to our knowledge provides more of the essential raw materials for continuous innovative thinking. 

To build strong relationships  

All truly great leaders say that the ability to build strong relationships is an essential component of problem-solving ability. Trust goes a long way in building mutually beneficial relationships, and we build trust by doing what we say we will do. 

Odalis Martinez is well on her way to developing these four elements of professionalism. I’m eager to watch her continue her journey. She says one day she’d like to become president of Venezuela so she can “fix the country.” Those of us that know her know that she is likely to do just that.  

Jim Correll is the director of Fab Lab ICC at the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship on the campus of Independence Community College. He can be reached at (620) 252-5349, by email at jcorrell@indycc.edu or Twitter @jimcorrellks. Archive columns and podcast at jimcorrell.com.