Sharyn Rice: Driven By A Desire To Motivate
Rice
Senior vice president of access, transition and development at Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner
Who is your most influential role model, and why?
I have to say my mother. Unfortunately we lost my mother to cancer about five years ago. She was my mentor, role model and best friend. She worked in an insurance office while I was growing up, actually running it according to her customers. With both parents working, I was afforded independence but was certainly well guided. My mother was a friend to all — a genuinely nice lady. She was very intelligent and could easily have run her own business. When she first graduated from Gardner High School, she was the secretary for the mayor of Gardner. I think her English heritage defined her stateliness. She always was a volunteer in the community and taught me and my two brothers that community connections are very important and giving back to the community builds a stronger community.
What has helped you achieve success in your career?
Dedication, hard work, perseverance, self-reliance, independence, organization and consideration of others have all helped me achieve success. I have had many challenges both personally and professionally throughout my career, but during that time I have always tried to be a team player and a conscientious worker. I believe in respecting others no matter their age, religious affiliation, gender, disability, race or personal preference. I have always continued to learn and improve my skills. I have been fortunate in my many position changes over the years to work with some wonderful people.
What's your primary motivator; or if there is one thing that makes you tick or ignites a passion within you, what is it?
My primary motivator is helping people achieve at their highest potential at whatever they are interested in. Most of my career has been related to education, so I am constantly promoting learning. I have always enjoyed learning and helping others to learn. I have encouraged many of my colleagues to continue their education, as well as receptionists at hotels and strangers I have had casual conversations with, and, of course, many students over the years.
How does your organization give back to the community, and what role have you played in those efforts?
During my 24-year tenure at MWCC, I have been involved with many community and business organizations as a member and committee member, and have served on many different boards. As chair of the board of directors at the Wachusett Chamber, I was involved with strategic planning, governmental relations, governance and fundraising. I also served as chair of the workforce development committee. Most recently, I served on the RCAP Solutions board of directors and currently chair the governance committee.
When the stress level gets too high, how do you ease the pressure?
I like to be organized. I am actually less stressed if I take the time to sort, complete many small tasks and move on to the daunting ones. I enjoy time with my three grandboys: ages 10, 6 ½ and 3. Although they take a lot of my energy, it is well worth it to see their smiles and hear their giggles. Seeing friends is also a stress reliever. My husband and I like to cross-country ski, walk the beach, snowshoe and work around the house, with some time thrown in for shows we have taped and can skip commercials.
How have you tried to balance your career and your personal life? Please give an example or two.
I work many hours and enjoy working. Sometimes I can get carried away and the clock just keeps on going. I am always trying to do a better job spending more time with my 93 ½-year-old father, my husband, son, daughter-in-law, other family members, and of course my grandchildren.
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