The Questions That Shape A Calling
CATHERINE WILLIAMS, ASSISTANT PROVOST OF STUDENT SUCCESS, AND PAYTON O’TOOLE, STUDENTShare
The future does not always begin with a plan. Sometimes it begins with a question.
In this conversation, Assistant Provost of Student Success Catherine Williams and student Payton O’Toole reflect on the moments that helped them discover their purpose. Catherine shares how her own experience as a student at Ashland still shapes the way she mentors students today. The faculty who challenged her to grow, the decision to pursue her MBA and the lessons she learned in their classrooms continue to guide the way she serves the Ashland community.
Payton speaks about learning to move forward before feeling fully ready. From picking up a camera on her first day in journalism classes to applying for internships that once felt out of reach, she describes how her confidence has grown through experience. What once felt unfamiliar has become the work she is now pursuing.
Throughout the conversation, they return to the role mentors play in helping students see what is possible. When faculty and staff share their own journeys, students begin to understand that meaningful work rarely follows a perfect plan. Instead, it unfolds through guidance, experience and the willingness to ask an important question. What do you hope your work will give to the world?
Listen to the full episode
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