Sallie Mathis is the information specialist at MCC-Penn Valley. She operates the information desk located on the first floor of the Campus Center. In addition to this position, Mathis actively volunteers for many of the activities on the campus.

Although she has volunteered her time to work with the Alumni Association and Student Ambassador to name a few, Mathis is best known for her involvement in the annual United Way Fundraising Drive held on the Penn Valley campus each November.

Sallie Mathis

"My first time being involved was probably eleven years ago," said Mathis. "I got away from it after a while, but I came back. So this will be my fourth consecutive year."

"I've been asked every year to do it," Mathis continued. "I think United Way is a worthy cause. I think it helps everybody. It has no barriers. I have a particular charity I like to contribute to and United Way allows me to do that as well as contribute to other things like the student book fund. So I like the diversity that United Way offers."

Mathis said that she also feels strongly about students becoming involved through volunteering. "I've had an opportunity to work with a lot of students," stated Mathis. "I've had student workers and thousand hour workers and it seem that whenever they come to the information desk to work they learn a lot of life skills."

"A lot of that comes from volunteering their services for some of the clubs, organizations and activities that we have," said Mathis. "Most of the students that have worked with me have gone on to bigger and better things. Most of them came in very shy and when they left, they were a totally different person."

"Volunteering teaches them how to interact with people, life skills, how to use their language skills appropriately, and elevate their careers," she said. "It's sort of like a springboard. Everyone who has worked with me has gone on to hold office in the Student Ambassadors and/or succeed elsewhere."

"They've learned so many leadership skills," Mathis commented. "Just volunteering in the many activities around here have given them the opportunity to learn to use their acquired skills to their benefit."

"I can't emphasize how important volunteering just a little of your time can be," said Mathis. "It builds character. But don't take it from me. Just look at those students who have done so and gone on to become successful in whatever they attempt out in the world."

Copyright 2006 Metropolitan Community College