Meet Jenn: Integrated marketing communications coordinator for strategic design, mom of a 12-year-old
“Realize that the days may not always go as planned, but be flexible and do your best.”
Jenn Boyd, coordinator for strategic design in the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) Department
- What do you do at HACC?
We are cross trained in the IMC Department. Therefore, we all handle various tasks in the office. My main responsibilities are to review the College’s designs (flyers, posters, website, billboards, advertising, etc.) to ensure the College’s Visual Identity Standards are upheld, train colleagues collegewide to effectively communicate via HACC’s social media channels and create comprehensive communications plans regarding specific topics around the College.
- How old are your children?
My daughter will be 13 in July.
- How are you effectively juggling your professional duties and your personal duties of having your children at home while you work?
It isn’t always easy. However, my daughter is older and somewhat self-motivated in her daily chores and projects. To assist her, we’ve developed a schedule for her days at home, which include exercise, checking school email, chores around the house, etc. I wake up before her each day and get a good portion of my work done while she is still sleeping. After dinner, we take an evening walk to talk and connect. We both love photography, so we will often find fun things on our walk to photograph.
- What tips (things to do and things to not do) would you offer to other parents who are struggling with this?
- Come up with a schedule and routine.
- Practice self-care. I work out every morning before I start working. It makes such a difference in my day.
- Realize that the days may not always go as planned, but be flexible and do your best.
- Remember your blessings. In times like this, it is easy to go stir crazy or find yourself flooded by negativity on social media. Therefore, be purposeful in searching for the blessings.
- Give yourself grace. Remember to strive for excellence. No one requires you to be perfect, so do not put that pressure on yourself.
- Be mindful of your posture throughout the day. My chair at home is not as comfortable as my office chair, so I need to adjust more throughout the day to ensure I do not hurt my back.
- Ensure you make time to connect with the others in the house if you have kids, a spouse or even pets. Do more than coexist.
- Stay connected with your friends and family (using technology), and encourage others.
- Smile.
- Is there anything else you would like to share that we did not ask?
I am grateful to work for this incredible College. Our leadership has HACC students and employees at the forefront of their minds, and they have gone above and beyond to help us during this time. No one asked for the coronavirus, and there are so many factors outside of our control. But, HACC and my amazing colleagues are blessings in my life! Gratefully YOURS.
