My New Life Blog

Say What?

anitacochran — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:57:24 +0000

When I heard we were talking about Nondestructive Testing on this latest “My New Life” webisode, I said, “Excuse me?” Really, has anyone of you ever met someone who when asked what they were majoring in or pursuing a career in answered NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING!? That’s what I thought, well apparently someone has heard of it, cause at Cowley College there’s a program, a teacher and a student that we all were introduced to that know a whole lot about nondestructive testing.

Here’s the basics….it’s INSPECTION. So if a building is going to fall down, or a bridge has a crack that is about to give way, the Nondestructive Testers will be the first people to know about it. Actually, they do lots of work before the stuff ever goes up to make sure it DOESN’T fall down.

This is going to make a whole lot more sense when you watch the interview and wait till you see my eyes pop out. It’s how much money these folks make. Yep, so far I’m all into this career. I will admit, I did get the giggles when we started talking about “cracks”……very unprofessional of me, but Heck, on this day I was having one good time, maybe it was the Pink Saloon outfit that had me looking like a Zebra, Skunk, Referee or all of the above? Whatever it was, thanks to Joe Clasen and Justin Colling for playing TV with us, in the midst of all the fun, I learned a lot about a career I didn’t even know existed.

Nurses & The Fake Guy That Trains Them

anitacochran — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:39:12 +0000

Having jumped right into the medical world lately on “My New Life”, we would be way off not to talk about one of the most important (if I do say so myself) jobs a person could ever hold. Yes, there are lots of them, but if you’ve ever been bedridden and needed to pee I’m sure you’ll agree, that nurse that came to relieve you was the MOST IMPORTANT PERSON ever. What you may not know is that not just anyone can be a nurse, I mean really, they have to know a lot of stuff to keep cranky people comfortable and to get sick people better.

Luckily, for all of us, we learned about the Nursing Program at Hutchinson Community College and what it really takes to enter the nursing field. Co-chair of the Allied Health Department Debra Hackler says it’s one job you won’t see phased out especially as more of US get older, and you’ll also be able to take those skills almost anywhere in the world to find a job (think WORLD traveller here.)

Our real life student, Paula Turner, is a sweetheart, she’s the kind of woman I would want to hold my hand if I was sick in a hospital. I enjoyed hearing why she decided to leave the world of banking and head into nursing, and I think you’ll enjoy it too! Go ahead, click on the video and watch, cause I know you can’t figure out what a Fake Guy has to do with it. I’m not talking ….I mean I’m not writing about it, you’ll just have to watch and see!! I am that kind of a TEASE!!

And that Pink Saloon outfit, wish I would have bought it. I’ll babble about that over on my facebook page!!

Here’s Another Option

anitacochran — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:50:59 +0000

Okay, we’re going full throttle in health care careers so check out today’s topic, Medical Assistants. I guess I didn’t realize all those people in the doctors office and other medical settings didn’t just stumble in off the street. Medical Assistants as you’ll learn get to do a little (or a lot) of everything.

The course we talked about at Wichita Area Technical College can be completed in as little as one year (full-time, 8-330 daily). The take away from this episode should be pretty straight forward. The medical industry is NEVER going away, even in the worst economy people will get sick, and will PAY to get better. Hospitals, Doctor’s Offices, and Clinics need LOTS of workers. You will be able to find a job.

As for the work I didn’t realize phlebotomists (I like to call them blood suckers), EKG tech’s, even the people who come in and take your blood pressure and info at that annual “Pap Smear” visit are usually Medical Assistants. I think more than anything it’s nice to know that those of us who weren’t disciplined enough to be a Doctor can have a meaningful impact on people’s health even if it is our second, third or LATER life!

Here’s something else I learned. At WATC they give an ethics grade. What pray tell is this? It’s the kind of thing an employer really wants to know. Did this student show up on time, did they do what was asked, are they a pain in the buttooski (my words not theirs), it’s an overall grade of the stuff that makes you a good employee but most people never get a read on until they are hired (or fired!)

Check it out this episode covers all kinds of duties from taking blood to learning how to do insurance billing, it actually sounds pretty darn fascinating.

Special thanks to our sponsor: Pink Saloon for the Bag and Hairband. Want more info on that scoot over to Anita’s Facebook page!

Can I Get An EMT Over Here??

anitacochran — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:44:01 +0000

OOOH, I love this webisode of ”My New Life” because we finally delve into the medical world, and the technical training that is out there to get you into it quickly! Wichita Area Technical College has an EMT Training program and we got to visit with Jim Catt an EMT Instructor. Jim is one of those instructors who also works in the real world, get this he works in an ER. Here’s where the dumb blonde goes, wow….I thought EMT’s worked out of ambulances. Yep, apparently EMT training comes in handy in all sorts of medical settings.

The EMT program can be just a great place to start for people who aren’t sure where they may best fit into the world of saving and bettering lives. In fact, student Heather Dextradeur who we visit with may continue education after she gets her EMT training, and go on to Paramedic. Her plan right now is, well wait, watch the episode and find out.

One last thing, I brought up the point that a really good mom (or dad, or grandma, or aunt, or brother) might want to take the EMT class just for safety sake. These are the kind of skills that come in handy with any emergency and no matter who you are, or what you do, eventually an emergency will find it’s way to you.

Probably should insert apology here for being “Half Naked”…..I wanted to show off the Pink Saloon outfit I wore to Art Aid, so I was a fashion repeater! This little outfit is so comfy and I got so many compliments that I think Orion London may be my new favorite brand. Check their stuff out at Pink Saloon, because after all if we’re gonna have New Lives, we want to look good in them don’t we??

Building Workers

anitacochran — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:52:18 +0000

This little webisode was a good example of how we all build a better worker. I know, I know…..I thought I was a perfect employee too, but apparently, we all have some work to do. Particularly, when you deal with changing technology, companies these days want workers who can adapt, move on and up!
I know that because I met Clay Kubicek, who works at Crossland Construction. Get this, his title is, Education Director. I’m like what does a construction company need a ED for??? Turns out that was the stupid question, so of course I was the one who asked it.
When you watch the webcast you’ll see how much in-house training Crossland does. It sure does make sense that they spend time educating their employees with the skills they want them to have.
We then met Kori Gregg who is working at Butler Community College.…she’s got the kind of title that doesn’t even fit on a business card, “Senior Executive Director of Economic Development and Corporate Services.” Cool, huh!? Turns out her gig is to make sure businesses like Crossland Construction and others in our area, are getting a workforce that’s trained the way they need it. She went as far as to say, some businesses have gone to them, said….”Hey, I need my workers to know how to do this (insert skill), can you teach them that?” Her answer is typically, HECK YEAH. How cool is that, and when I own my own very successful business I’m headed straight for her so she can help me train my workers. I wonder do they teach Executive Massage, because wouldn’t it be cool if all my employees could give me a nice rubdown whenever I requested it. Okay, maybe that’s not even legal, but you get the idea. Watch the webisode, and wonder what your local Community College, Technical College, or University may be able to do for you!!

I Don’t Want No Stinking BOSS!

anitacochran — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:47:26 +0000

Okay, the title is a bit strong, but isn’t that really the allure of going out on your own and starting a business? Here in Wichita, we’re surrounded by entrepreneurs. So how could we talk about “My New Life” and not give that some really good consideration.
In this episode, I learned right off the bat, I’ve got some things to learn. Freelancing and building my own business I should have been asking for help, and the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Wichita State University would have been the best place to start. I’m thinking of setting up an appointment for next month.
Business Consultant, Alan Badgley filled us in on all the services they provide, for FREE!! to people wanting to start their own business. They also make you think about some of the parts of the business world you may not really want to face yet. It takes more than a good idea to build a business. What more, you ask? Watch the episode and find out.
The other best part of this little show was getting to see my old friend Mike Cooper. He’s now bringing Wichita “VYPE” High School Sports Magazine. He’s an entrepreneur of the best kind, he’s just like you and me. In fact, Coop and I started working together 20 years ago at KSN (We did the morning shift, and I think he had way more talent directing than I did producing, or anchoring, or whatever I was doing at the time.) What he’s been doing since then is fascinating, and it leads us to him being his own boss today. It doesn’t come without a cost, he’s honest, funny and informative. You should listen to what he has to say before you head down the path yourself. Even then, you may just decide, like I have thus far, “I don’t want no stinkin’ Boss!”

Recap Webisode

anitacochran — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:27:01 +0000

The recap webisode, (September 30) where Steve and I wax poetically about all the people/jobs/careers we’ve talked about so far is just plain fun. If you’ve wondered what we’re about, check this one out. Two things to watch for.

The new setting!! We actually shot this at Mead’s Corner one of our great sponsors. The backdrop is gorgeous and it gives us a chance to show you the lovely GELATO they make. The other? Total nonsense, but the kind of thing that always excites me. As long as I’ve been in TV, (A LONG TIME) I’ve always had to snuff my desire to show you my shoes. In some places, like my beloved Planet Hair Salon, I’m known for my shoes!! This time, I just did it, because I picked out my outfit, and don’t think it was that great on TV (now we know why Brooke at Pink Saloon is so valuable), I had to show the shoes because it was the only thing that seemed to “POP.” Anyhow, it’s just some fun, us yucking it up about our favorite moments and things we’ve learned so far, check it out.

CliffsNotes of My New Life

anitacochran — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:34:35 +0000

Since I’m a little behind in blogging, decided to give you the facts, just the facts on the webisodes that have already hit the air (or would it be the web?) Not that you would find the same things as I do interesting, but I think sort of like a person looking for “My New Life” because I am sort of looking for MY new life! So let’s just give it a whirl.
The second webisode was all about Computers. We’re not talking computers 101 so that you can use the little ditties, we’re talking Computers 10001, so you can run the place!
Larry Evans and Steve Strom from Butler Community College gave us the highlights and I’m thinking even if you didn’t want to be an IT genius, it wouldn’t hurt to take some of these classes just to be the smartest person in your cubicle. (Oh wait, it’s usually one person per cubicle, okay, the smartest person in your pod!) One things for sure, you can go into computers and rest assured you have a future, because I’m no IT genius and I can all but predict computers are here to stay.
The September 9th webisode ran both hot and cool. We talked about HVAC as a career path. Seriously, heating and air are two modern day conveniences that not only will make you popular if you can master, but are also going to be around long range. Of particular interest was meeting the Wichita Area Technical College Instructor who didn’t just teach, but also worked in the Industry. That’s something I’m seeing a lot of at technical schools, professional “whatevers” still working but sharing their expertise in the classroom. Something else interesting in HVAC is that all the competitors want students to know how to fix their goods, so there are no real secrets, when you’re trained in HVAC you can work for anyone in the industry and know you’re stuff. I like that, I always wanted to be good at everything.
September 16 was one of my favorite webisodes. It’s what we dubbed our “Education Special.” We invited two big wigs in Kansas K-12 education to come visit with us. Deputy Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Diane DeBacker and former Education Director, now USD 309 Superintendent Bill Hagerman joined us to look ahead at what our kids need, and how Kansas plans to give it to them at public schools. This one OPENED my eyes.
I sat with two heavy weights in education and for the first time considered what if my two daughters DIDN’T go to a four year college??? It never even crossed my mind. The point was EVERY child needed Post-Graduation learning, but did they all need a degree they might not ever use. WATCH THIS EPISODE, and put yourself in my place. I have a degree from WSU in Communications. I’m 45-years old with 20 years experience in the News Industry and as Dr. DeBacker put it, “Where does that leave you?” Yep, unemployed. It can happen to all of us, and knowing that it will likely happen to your child time and time again, maybe the old way of finding a career needs some spicing up. By the way, my 9-year-old just got home from school, so with the New Life I’m currently living, I’m gonna end it here, and spend time with her, something that high-powered News Career I didn’t think I could live without gave me very little of. Until next time, I’m still Anita Cochran but I’m looking for “My New Life,” are you?

Looking Back & UP!

anitacochran — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:20:24 +0000

Now that we have had a chance to sit and visit with folks about “My New Life,” you’ll be happy to know I still think there’s a whole lot of options out there for people looking for one, a new life that is!
Going back to the first webisode when we talked about Aircraft Maintenance as a career, I was impressed by how many other industries you could also use that knowledge in. My favorite is probably the Wind Energy industry, because if that isn’t the wave of the future someone needs to be spanked.

If you think about it, it makes a lot of sense that people with experience keeping airplanes in the air would know how to keep a propeller in motion, and most of those windmills are now being made from the same composite material planes are coming from….it’s just a natural link.

I’ve always been mesmerized by the big ole Windmills we see dotting the Kansas plains, the kind that used to bring us water and nowadays will power our homes. In fact, if I ever become Governor, I’m going to have them line the highways from state line to state line. Then, and you heard it here first, I’ll have an international art contest to get those babies decorated (nothing tacky and no advertising allowed). Our wind turbines will become such a tourist attraction we’ll celebrate the windiest day of the year (which would likely change each year but who cares we will pick the day from the year before and go with it!) Kansas will become the windy state, and that will ensure that if you choose a career in that field, YOU will have a job. When you watch this webisode you’ll see how long it takes and the other options you’ll have if you get your Aircraft Maintenance certification (you will have to pass a test!) Listen closely when we ask about what you can do with that piece of knowledge, fix planes is NOT the only answer.

First segment

swyckoff — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:25:44 +0000

Posted by Dr. Steve Wyckoff

WOW what fun! I hope you’ve had the opportunity to watch the first webcast of My New Life. It was a blast and I learned a lot. Our two guests, Dawn and Josh were engaging and insightful.

Behind the scene our conversations were great. I wish we could have had captured the conversation. I’m pretty familiar with the aerospace industry in Wichita, Kansas, but I was fascinated by the new information I garnered from Dawn and Josh.

And what a great opportunity for any individual who is inclined to intellectually challenging work, as well as working with your hands; this may be the career for you.

I would be remiss if I didn’t comment on the progress that Wichita Area Technical College has made under the leadership of Pete Gustaf. The growth in number and quality of programs at WATC is nothing if not impressive!