New ILCC Records Specialist

Morgan Larson, Writer

In the 50+ years of Iowa Lakes Community Colleges existence, many students have passed through its hallways gaining the knowledge they need to achieve their life endeavors.  Behind the scenes, many people at ILCC are already perusing their careers. Staff members and professors take pride with their students being “Laker Proud”.  Staff member, Amber Bates, ILCC’s new Records Specialist does.

 An Estherville resident, Amber has strived in her interest in Education.  Often, taking the first steps toward your “career path” is not always easy.  Amber faced this issue.  “Deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life and the process of getting there was one of the most stressful experiences for me.” said Bates. Drawing from these experiences and transitioning from institution to institution, she found her path towards the future.

Amber obtained her Master’s in Education by attending Iowa Lakes A.A; University of Northern Iowa B.A.; South Dakota State University M.Ed.  “I am especially passionate about two-year institutions as most many people overlook then and go straight to the four-year education…an associate degree can provide more hands-on training and can have the same or better, financial rewards.”  It is from these high and low experiences, that pushed Amber to be a reliable resource to help students, like others were for her. This was her calling.

 One of the things that makes Iowa Lakes Community College great is the willingness to help others when it is needed. Students are not just the exception.                 

 In April of this year, ILCC was looking for a new Records Specialist.  The previous Records Specialist, Sue Madison, was ready for retirement.  Amber jumped at the opportunity.  She could showcase her willingness and strong attributes as the potential new Records Specialist. Bates was ready.

 “I’ve been the Records Specialist since the beginning of June…Sue was in this position for years; I have some big shoes to fill.” said Amber.   Like any position switch, Sue was willing to do anything to make sure Amber’s transition as the new Records Specialist was a breeze.  Bates says, “Sue gave me her contact information on her last day and said I can call her anytime with questions… she really enjoyed her job.”

 It is believed that each person can related to new jobs, their ups and downs and how to handle them. It is human nature.   Only being in the position for roughly three months, Amber has defined her ups and downs.   “I really enjoy being the Records Specialist. I know that navigating what you need to do when you get to college can be difficult and confusing, so I do what I can to help them feel more at ease and prepared for what’s next.”

Amber works with transcripts from various places. She determines if/how courses can be transfer to Iowa Lakes.  Bates thrives at the opportunity to speak with students from all over.  

It is so important in any job position to try to get the best out of it, even if it cannot be.  Bates is finding herself.  “The most fulfilling part of my job is helping students…sometimes I get calls from students and I can tell they are stressed out and panicking about getting everything done that they need to get done. I find it extremely rewarding when I am able to work with them and by the end of the conversation, I can tell they are more at ease and are grateful for my help.”  

 As the Records Specialist, Amber has found the difficult draw backs that come with the positives.  “The most difficult part of my job is working with students that I cannot do what they want such as adding a class after the deadline and having to be the messenger of bad news.” It is not always easy. Amber continuously moves forward to find satisfying solutions.  Bates says, “When I have difficult situations, I try to handle them calmly and give explanations… if I get upset along with the student/parent, it doesn’t help the situation.” It is only human nature to try to relate to one another on an issue.

 It is keeping that form of professionalism that separates us from the issue and to openly find a solution.  Amber puts herself in their shoes. “I try to empathize with them and then break down the situation to help them better understand… I also ask if there is anything else, I can do with them regardless if they are still upset to give myself another opportunity to get it resolved.”  Even if it can be hard, Amber continues to do her best and remember her career purpose. 

For someone as well grounded and passionate as Amber, one can expect her to stay in this position for years.  Just like Sue.  “I still see myself at ILCC in 5-10 years… I strongly support and value the education a community college can provide.” Amber said.   It is something ILCC strives to do.  Bates goes on to say, “My husband and myself have both benefited from Iowa Lakes professionally and financially.”   Iowa Lakes is not your normal college, it something more.  When you are here, you are family, Amber could not agree more. “I love being part of something that has similar valued as myself and being a part of the Iowa Lakes family.”   Being Laker Proud.