Hi! My name is Celine Icard-Stoll and I’m in my first semester of pursuing my M.S. in instructional design and technology at Georgia State University. I live in the heart of Atlanta, having moved here two years ago after growing up in beautiful Oregon.
I’m a part-time project manager at a consulting firm for higher education. We deliver professional development, coaching, and leadership training to university officials (including administrators, professors, and more) who are typically in the health services disciplines. What I love about this position is having the opportunity to positively impact the careers of so many people. It’s so satisfying to receive positive feedback and, even better, learn about our program participants who go on to assume greater roles and responsibilities! In addition, I’m proud to manage our organizational newsletter that is distributed to thousands of people. We actually just unveiled a fresh, new format for our monthly newsletter that I designed, which is an accomplishment I’m very excited and happy about! I’ve streamlined the newsletter production process in addition to just making it more visually appealing and easier to read. My co-workers and (most importantly) my boss all love it, and that feels so great! It was a considerably overdue task within the whole organization, so having the opportunity to personally see it through was fantastic.
In line with my professional role, I value lifelong learning. Just because someone stops being a student doesn’t mean they quit attaining knowledge. Learning doesn’t just look like sitting in a classroom; it can also be practicing a new skill, experiencing an unfamiliar culture, or reading a book on your couch during a Saturday night. Essentially, we never stop learning, whether we recognize it as such or not! Lifelong learning is what keeps life interesting. Accordingly, I am always seeking new ways to enhance my work through greater learning whether that means picking up a new software or trying a new method of completing a routine task. Fortunately, pursuing an M.S. provides many opportunities for expanded learning!
Additionally, I highly emphasize the importance of practicing what you love. Deriving joy out of what you do improves not only your professional output, but your personal wellbeing as well. As a provider of learning, I enjoy trying to ignite some for learners’ work by providing training that is engaging. This manifests in learning opportunities that make them think and, even better, smile. I’m really looking forward to an upcoming professional development event my organization is holding that’s going to include a session centered on improv skills and comedy. It’s going to be a great time for everyone!
When I’m not at my office or completing schoolwork, my leisure time includes a lot of video games. I’m actively playing about five different game titles right now, which actually requires some decent time management skills! I’m also a hardcore vegan foodie and love trying new places around Atlanta. (Give me all the vegan mac and cheese!) On a similar note, I love traveling and definitely make restaurant itineraries when I’m in a new city. Currently, I have plans this year to visit Columbia, Toronto, Montreal, New York City, and Chicago for the first time. Finally, I enjoy spending time at home with my boyfriend and our two kitties named Nori and Tofu, who may be small in size but each have huge personality.
Pictured below is me holding Nori along with a tattoo I got last summer from my favorite movie of all time, Kiki’s Delivery Service! I am a tattoo enthusiast with only eight pieces, but many more to come!
