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Getting to know Barb Goodwin

February 1, 2016

To Barb Goodwin, senior administrative assistant in Photography and Multimedia, there is no such thing as a stranger. No matter who you are, when you walk into the photography studio you'll be greeted with the same warm greeting "Hello, friend." Barb has worked at USI for the past 19 years and has gotten to know the many faces that have passed through in the doors of the photography studio. She has made it her mission to make people feel comfortable with her fun, open demeanor and quick wit. One thing that hasn't changed for Barb is that there really is no typical day at USI.

Let's get to know the lady who makes my, and many others', days a little more entertaining.

1919376 192491163272 3029038 NDescribe a typical day at work.

There really is not a typical day at USI. My role is to do whatever it takes to make "Disney" happen at USI. People want beautiful images of the University to bring students here; images of students being happy and fulfilled, and it's my job to make sure that happens. It's my job to find students who can convey the message or to sweet talk professors into being comfortable in photoshoots. My role includes pulling photos, scheduling photo shoots and creative brainstorming for visual representations of the University.

Why do you greet everyone with "Hello, friend"?

Because we live in such a digital world and people are on their computers and phones. I think we're a world of strangers really, so I think when you say "Hi, friend," it can surprise them, and you actually get a human to human contact and they remember you. So when you say "Hello, friend" next time, they think "Oh yeah, that's that really nice red-haired lady who says "Hi, friend." And maybe they'll say "Hi, friend" to the next person. It's easy to get caught up in your phone or computer and not have real human contact.

What has made you stay at USI for so long?

I have stayed at USI for so long, because I love the University, especially the students and my coworkers. It has been fun watching wide-eyed freshmen grow up and graduate and become productive people. I have been to every graduation, and I cry at each one. Just watching those students cross the platform, so full of expectation and excitement is very moving. You see all their hopes and dreams as they cross the stage and it's a beautiful moment - it's a monumental milestone in their life.

It's fun working in the Publishing Services Center with all the creative people. But I can't say that it has been fun growing old alongside my immediate co-workers. LaVerne Jones, (photographer in Photography and Multimedia), was just pulling up some old headshots of us. Wow! We were so young back then. We've collectively been through a lot from dogs to kids. I am hoping that personality-wise, we are more like the wide-eyed freshmen and less like grumpy old ladies.

10658999 10152866859438755 261662418650767484 OYou've worked with Elizabeth Randolph, manager of Photography and Multimedia, for almost 20 years and LaVerne for the past 10 years. What has it been like working together for so long?

I think of us almost as sisters because we argue and fuss at each other, but at the end of the day I know we want what's best for each other. It's been nice having that relationship through the years. The reason I've been in my department so long is because I do like my co-workers so much. I appreciate them and value their work as artists and their work ethic. We have fun together, and fun is better than a lot of money.

What is your absolute favorite thing to do at work?

Lunch, of course. I like to sit on campus and do my whole Zen thing which might be journaling, reading an educational blog or listening to a Ted Talk. I like to be surrounded by students because they put off such a young excited vibe, and whenever I come back from lunch I'm always in a better mood. I like being around that, I think it keeps you young.

What's the worst thing you did as a kid?

The worse thing I did as a kid was join the track team in eighth grade. I was fast, but I was really out of my league being on a team. At my first track meet I was sprinting against all these beautiful tall, muscular girls who looked like Serena and Venus Williams, and I was just this little short thing. I ran a little bit then I just stopped - it was humiliating. My mom was in the stands and my grandparents, and I think I just looked at them and shrugged and stopped running.

11238277 941530302581619 2602709306144256674 OWhat activity helps you feel peace of mind?

My husband made me a little office out of our walk in closet. I have beautiful pictures of flowers from USI on my wall, so I have my salute to USI, and pictures of my daughters, Molly and Emma Kate, and of my sisters in there. I might journal. I might watch an interesting podcast or read. Sometimes I sing along with the music. My husband calls it snoring. I prefer to think of it as singing the song of the sleep deprived woman.

What small thing annoys you so much it should be a crime?

I don't get annoyed much, but I do get irritated by people who loudly complain or are rude to the cashier at a retail store. People like that think they are entitled. Being a cashier is a hard job. Any kind of retail job is a hard job, and you don't realize how hard it is until you do it. You're standing on your feet all day long, your back hurts and 60 percent of your customers don't even acknowledge your presence. It's very little money and very few thanks. So next time you go to Walmart, be nice to that cashier.

What are the five words that best describe you?

To the average person walking across campus who doesn't know me very well: short, curly, red-haired, freckled and smiley. To my closest family and friends: introspective, funny, organized, cluttered and having the super power to immediately fall asleep any place, any time.  

What was one of your most defining moments in life?

One of my most defining moments was after a year of uncharacteristic flirting, I wore that cute guy at Mead Johnson down and he finally asked me out. Two years later we were married. Then, because of him, we have two wonderful daughters. David and I have been married for almost 22 years.

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