Michelle Gaudette | networking-nerds

I am an idea girl, first and foremost. Fascinated by human behavior, I adore exploring concepts, relationships, needs, goals and motivation and love creating solutions that improve, sustain and inspire others. I believe whole-heartedly that in order to make a difference in the world around us, we must first make a difference within ourselves. Self awareness is key. It enables me to pay attention to my personality and behavior and refocus my responses to events, relationships and change. As a communication enthusiast, a chaser of unconventional and soul-stirring music, lover of wine and dance, amateur photographer and mother of six highly entertaining offspring—I strive to live in the moment and learn something new each day. It’s a fluffy and storybook mentality, but it is mine and my life journey begins anew each day.

My love of communication began at a very young age. Since the age of 6, I was famous in my household for hand scripting full-page illustrations of my curiosities and concerns and would leave these comic book inspired messages resting on bed pillows, sofa cushions, and car dashboards. I learned quickly that a message is best received when you have a full understanding of your audience—know who they are, how to capture their attention, how to speak their language, and how to make an impact. I have since refined my communication style to suit the interests and needs of many, from friends and partners to students, colleagues and staff.

I initially set out to become a child development psychologist, but found that my yellow brick road led me to be an educator instead. I began my career 20 years ago teaching theater to elementary students at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida as part of a summer camp program. Four year later, I moved on to an exciting role as Assistant Director of Writing Programs at the same college. I trained, mentored and supervised upper classmen as writing/language consultants and managed the day-to-day operations of the Writing Resource Center. It was my job to ensure students received assistance needed to improve their communication skills and faculty were supported in their efforts to encourage revision and proofreading of assignments. During this tenure, I also served as an official judge for the Orlando Fringe Festival, which is an annual theatrical and performing arts competition including both local and out-of-state talent.

In 1997, I joined the Full Sail University family and helped design and launch the Game Development degree program and have since developed and implemented various courses across multiple degree programs, including but not limited to Game Design, English Composition, Creative Writing, and Public Speaking. I have served on several Full Sail academic committees, assisted with the content development of several degree programs, and implemented a Team Dynamics Lab for students interested in advancing their collaborative and networking skills. My passion for communication and behavior led me to collaborate with Rob Coble, our Industry Outreach Manager for Game Development, in the planning and implementation of a personal development series called Networking Boot Camp that strives to improve the self-awareness, communication practices, and networking skills of students and staff across all degree programs within our university. I hold degrees in Psychology, Writing and Education Media Design & Technology, but my most favorite (and unofficial) certification has to be Motherhood. I call this degree “Embracing Life.”

At the end of the day, I count myself blessed when I have successfully navigated challenge with a good attitude, remained open to the ideas of others, made productive strides in goal achievement, and remembered to smile along the way. I believe everyone has potential. I believe everyone has something to learn. I believe if we take the time to listen, not just to others but to ourselves, we can be “amazing” and make a remarkable difference in the world.