Naomi Elaine Smith

As a child I had dreams of being a psychologist or a zoo keeper, a marine biologist or an actor.

I got my college degree in Plant Science. I worked in a couple of green houses. I loved the plants - making them grow, assisting customers in the right choices for their home or yard. I didn't want to do that for the rest of my life.

After I had my son, I took some communication classes through community education. My instructor told me I was a natural. My son had a disability, and so the next thing I took on was being a facilitator for MELD special - A three-year support group for parents of children with disabilities.

I went back to school, a technical school, and took a two year program in Computer Technician repair. My advisor told me that my strengths in both mechanical thinking and communication would have me be a useful and unique asset to any company. A couple of months out of school, I landed a job as a PC Helpdesk/Salesperson contractor to a division of Pillsbury. I loved my job. I loved working with people, showing them how to use their computers. I loved solving the computer hardware and software issues - it was like a puzzle.

After working at Pillsbury, I worked at as a system administrator for a company that used Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) VAX systems that ran a software called OpenVMS. I also supervised the PC Helpdesk person at that job. We had Windows NT clients. I got to travel on that job - setting up computers and networks. I stayed there for over 5 years.

In 1999, I decided I wanted to try working in the public schools. I had always liked learning and schools, so it sounded like fun. I soon got a job at Edina Public Schools. It was great! I loved being of service to the teachers and the students. I loved the variety of tasks I had. I loved working with the team of Technicians in the department. They were fun, creative and hard-working. I was proud to be part of our District Media & Technology Services department!

After some department reorganization and job elimination, I decided to move on. I took some courses to add to my list of skills (CompTIA Network+, Social Media and Project Management courses). It was fun to spend time focusing on learning. I also got to spend some time helping my son adjust to a new living situation that summer.

I now have a new job! I am working as a contractor at Medtronic in Columbia Heights. I am an IT Support Technician.