Mary Bailey Finding One’s Place in the World W aking up wanting to go to work every
day, and enjoying her job, co-workers, and adopted “kids” are some of the perks of Mary Bailey’s career.
The former convenience store operator, church facilities manager, and all-around hard worker, Mary finally found her niche at Independence Community College (ICC) in Kansas and credits Express Employment Professionals for finding her the perfect job.
Mary and her husband ran convenience stores for years before getting out of the business in 2009. Mary then went to work for her church as a facilities manager.
“After about a year, I realized I needed some health insurance badly but I couldn’t afford it and the jobs I worked didn’t offer benefits,” she said.
“A friend knew I wasn’t happy, so she suggested I talk to her niece who worked at Express and see if there was anything available,” Mary said. “I went in and took the test that they have for you. They’re good about asking questions to pair you up with a line of work you would like and be good at.”
Mary was quickly matched with an opening at ICC, working part time as the athletic director’s assistant.
“I filled in for the athletic department and absolutely fell in love with it,” Mary said. “I enjoyed working with the students and the coaches. Luckily, when my original assignment ended, they kept me on part time working in the dorms.”
While working 20 hours in the dorms, Mary picked up another assignment from Express to work an additional 20 hours at the school’s
welcome desk. Then a position opened up for a student life coordinator planning activities for students, leading student groups, and getting campus organizations up and running. Mary applied and was hired as a permanent employee of the college.
“I’m basically the ‘dorm mom,’” she said. “So I tell the kids when they come in, they’re mine. Good, bad, and ugly, I’ll be here for them.”
Mary acts as an advocate for students if they have a problem with an instructor, coach, or fellow student. She is proud to say that she has also helped implement some new things at ICC.
“We signed on with the University of Kansas for a telemedicine program to offer our kids free counseling,” Mary said. “They can check out an iPad which allows them to receive counseling in their rooms privately if they need it.”
Under Mary’s keen direction, a care team was developed on campus so that more people will be involved in looking out for the welfare of individual students when they need help. Student government has also been reinstated. And, Mary created the Campus Activities Board so that students have more of a say in the university’s organized activities.
“My goal is to make a difference in these kids’ lives and I do my best to take care of them just like they were my own,” Mary said.
“It was just amazing because the first assignment Express sent me on was to ICC and I got the job, and have basically been here ever since. I am very blessed. I absolutely enjoy my job. I can’t imagine not being here.”
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