“I was told to stay at Oak Hills and not attend Diamond Oaks if I planned to go to college,” recalled Sheila (Parry) Alexander (Class of 1978).

“I didn’t listen. I wanted the solid skills that I gained with the Executive Secretarial program and, after graduation, I went straight on to Daytona Beach Community College,” she explained.

“Secretarial training was an excellent foundation. I had great summer jobs, and my organizational skills supported me in my coursework.”

Alexander finished her bachelor’s degree in English at Massey University in New Zealand after moving there for her husband’s teaching position.  After 10 years, they recently moved to Virginia where her husband now teaches at Sweet Briar College.

“When I opened my editing business in New Zealand, I again depended on those early skills – writing professional letters and basic business skills. The professionalism that Mrs. Paul taught us has never failed me. I have never been sorry that I took the vocational route,” Alexander said.

She suggests career counseling for students unsure of their future. “They need to explore their options. Too often students do not aim high enough in their goals. Job-shadow someone and get honest feedback on a vocation.”

Alexander would love to hear from other 1978 graduates, particularly those in the Executive Secretarial program. She can be reached at sheila@autumnwood.biz.