The Barton Puzzle project seeks to explore the intersection of our unique identities and our connectedness, both of which give meaning to our experience at Barton…and in our communities. Questionnaires sent to students and employees encourage them to share their unique piece of “The Barton Puzzle.” The overwhelming response to the project gives us a peek into heartwarming and inspiring slices of the human experience and the rich tapestry of our interconnected lives. Regularly through each semester, Barton will add to these spotlights of those who make up this community of learners.
Spotlight: Kindric Castro
Barton County Campus Student
Q: What’s your connection to Barton?
A: My connection with Barton goes back to my childhood. Growing up we didn't have much money but my parents worked hard. My mom, Bridget, was a fantastic mother and did everything she could to ensure my siblings and I had a great home life. My mom always had the heart to help others, this is what inspired her to become a nurse. She attended Barton's nursing program which gave her the opportunity to not only change her life but change my siblings and mine as well. These memories tie me into Barton's home-feeling campus and friendly staff and instructors. I will be forever grateful for the learning opportunities Barton provided my family and me, and I couldn't be happier with my education here!
Q: What are your educational goals?
A: My educational goals have always been focused on technology. I love working with my hands and spending time picking apart intricate machines and processes. My passion for technology grew into a hobby of computer building and programming. This led me to attend Barton’s Network Specialist and Computer Science program to learn more about computers and coding. The education and support I have received from Barton in my field of study have been incredible. If it wasn't for Barton, I wouldn't have gotten my position as the District Google and Chromebook Administrator for our local school district. My passion has only grown since attending Barton.
Q: Where do you consider “home?”
A: Reaching back to my story about my childhood and Barton, I grew up in Larned which is about thirty miles from Barton's campus. This makes my experience at Barton so much better because not only does it feel like home but the staff and instructors here are so kind and helpful that they would do anything to make sure we students feel safe and cared for.
Q: What highlight from your life do you want to share?
A: My biggest highlight is having the opportunity to gain higher education and further my life goals. My college education granted me the opportunity for the job I have now and I'm always grateful for that.
Q: What is something you are good at?
A: The things I'm best at are anything computers and technology, and anything vehicle and mechanics related.
Q: What is something you are working to improve?
A: I'm always looking to improve. One of my personal goals is to be compassionate and caring so I can help people who need it. Whether it be a hard breakup or a tough financial situation I want to always be there for my friends and family because no one should have to face tough times alone.
Q: What are your interests or hobbies?
A: My two biggest hobbies are building gaming computers and building cars. I love to work with my hands and get lots of joy doing so!
Q: What brought you to Barton?
A: My choice of Barton started back as a kid but solidified when I found out about the technological programs which I am currently attending.
Q: What is something that you appreciate about Barton?
A: As I said before the faculty and instructors are some of the best I've met. I have yet to meet someone who wouldn't help out. My esports coach Curt Rose is one of the best coaches I've ever had in my life. He has helped me a tremendous amount whether he helps with school, coaching, enrollment, or just life advice. He never fails to be there for us students and I'm so grateful he's here at Barton.
Q: What unique qualities do you bring to your Barton experience? How do you envision your fit within the Barton “puzzle” overall?
A: I feel like I am a perfect fit at Barton, the cultural difference here is amazing. I have met so many friends from around the world that I wouldn't have met otherwise. This puts me right in the middle of the puzzle here at Barton. I get to share my personality with everyone else to make friends I'll remember for life!
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: My biggest motivator is my esports coach Curt Rose. He has pushed me to try my hardest in school over anything else. He is there for me when I need to talk and he's there when we celebrate victory.
Q: What do you wish people knew about you?
A: I wish more people knew how caring and helpful I am. I feel like I am approachable and I'm always here to help others out!
Q: What are your future goals?
A: My biggest goal is to marry my gorgeous girlfriend and start a beautiful family. Barton has given me the opportunity to achieve the job I have now and I couldn't be happier.
Q: What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion? What can you do and what can Barton do to promote these ideals?
A: One of my favorite things about Barton is the diversity there is and all the people from around the world I have met. Everyone I have met at Barton is welcoming and excited to be a part of each other's lives. I always make sure to include everyone so we all feel welcomed!
Q: Do you have a favorite quote to share?
A: One of my favorite quotes is from a book I read as a kid that stuck with me. The meaning behind it helps me realize how great of an opportunity I have and inspires me to always try my best. "You're alive, Bod. That means you have infinite potential. You can do anything, make anything, dream anything. If you can change the world, the world will change. Potential. Once you're dead, it's gone. Over. You've made what you've made, dreamed your dream, written your name. You may be buried here, you may even walk. But that potential is finished." ― Neil Gaiman, The Graveyard Book
Spotlight: Lynda Lynch
Barton County Campus Student
Q: What’s your connection to Barton?
A: Online student
Q: What are your educational goals?
A: Working on a certificate- CDM [Certified Dietary Manager] for current job.
Q: Where do you consider “home?”
A: Trenton [Missouri] is my home town, small town, everyone knows everyone.
Q: What highlight from your life do you want to share?
A: I'm 52 yrs. old, mother of 3 girls (all went to college) grandmother of 4 boys- now it’s my turn to go back to college- and I'm loving it.
Q: What is something you are good at?
A: I am good being a grandma - I'm also good at my job (love to learn more though).
Q: What is something you are working to improve?
A: My education- Once I get the CDM- I have talked about going further and getting my RD [Registered Dietician].
Q: What are your interests or hobbies?
A: All sports, camping, anything outdoors with my family.
Q: What brought you to Barton?
A: It had exactly what I wanted and needed- completely online, which I needed because I am working full time and going to school.
Q: What is something that you appreciate about Barton?
A: My instructors are amazing- they have helped my so many times with getting school work send in. This was my first online schooling and they were pleasant the whole time they were helping me. LOVE THEM.
Q: What unique qualities do you bring to your Barton experience? How do you envision your fit within the Barton “puzzle” overall?
A: I love to learn even at 52, I working full time and go to school, I watch my 2 of my grandsons 3 nights a week so their parents can work late.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: My husband inspires and motivates me- he also works a full time job and is attending seminary online.
Q: What are your future goals?
A: To finish my CDM and continue to get the RD
Q: What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion? What can you do and what can Barton do to promote these ideals?
A: I pray there were no division among anyone- I pray we all get along and love one another, I pray we can just accept people as they are.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote to share?
A: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13
Spotlight: Shannon Marie Donaldson
Barton County Campus Student
Q: What’s your connection to Barton?
A: Student in Great Bend
Q: What are your educational goals?
A: I am working to complete my Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and then continue on to obtain my Paramedic.
Q: Where do you consider “home?”
A: I live in Hutchinson, Kansas and have for 22 years. However, I was born in Beloit, Wisconsin and moved to Hutchinson in 1999. Where I originally come from we have really really cold winters! Colder than it gets in Kansas, and also we get a ton more snow! As for Hutchinson we are getting ready to have a huge block party to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of being an established city.
Q: What highlight from your life do you want to share?
A: I am a non-traditional student currently. I have changed my major at least 5 times. I currently hold an Associate’s Degree of Arts in Music Education, a Bachelor's Degree in General Studies with the Emphasis in Education, a Master's Degree in Elementary Education and currently working on my Master's in Special Education High Incidence. I also have my EMT license and worked for an ambulance service for 3 1/2 years before taking a break. I currently work at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center as a Nurse Assistant using my EMT license. I was the first grandchild on my mom's side of the family to graduate high school and attend college. I graduated high school in 2006.
Q: What is something you are good at?
A: I am good at helping and caring for others without expectation of anything in return. I am also good at helping others learn and be successful in life. Hence the reason I also have my Education Degrees.
Q: What is something you are working to improve?
A: I am really working to improve my time management and working on saying no when I am feeling overwhelmed.
Q: What are your interests or hobbies?
A: I love to play my flute and violin. I also love to read books, listen to music, draw, color, and make various crafts. I also love spending time outside in nature when it's not super hot or cold outside. I love spending time with my family especially my 3 year old niece and my 4 month old nephew. I also have an 8 month old Siberian Husky named Autumn.
Q: What brought you to Barton?
A: The very friendly atmosphere, but also the outstanding reviews I have heard about the EMS Education Programs. I also love that there are ample opportunities for tutoring.
Q: What is something that you appreciate about Barton?
A: I really appreciate the tutoring opportunities that are available to us as students.
Q: What unique qualities do you bring to your Barton experience? How do you envision your fit within the Barton “puzzle” overall?
A: I envision that I will fit in very well with the Barton Puzzle because I am an outgoing person that strives to do my best.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: My grandma is my biggest inspiration. She passed away in 2014, but everything I have been doing I do in her honor.
Q: What do you wish people knew about you?
A: That I did not have a name when I was first born. I was in foster care for the first three months of my life because my mom was unsure that she wanted to keep me since she was a new young mom. However, she did choose to keep me.
Q: What are your future goals?
A: To obtain my Paramedic and also teach.
Q: What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion? What can you do and what can Barton do to promote these ideals?
A: I feel that diversity and inclusion are important aspects of life. I feel that we need more of this type of thing in education in general and in today's society. As someone who is in education I can work to put educational opportunities out there.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote to share?
A: "Don't give up. We have all gone home in tears. We've all second-guessed why we do what we do. We've all felt like failures at times. We have all wanted to quit at some point. Just remember - you save lives, you comfort the sick. You can't expect that to be easy." - Author Unknown
Q: Anything else to share?
A: I hope to have a wonderful educational experience at Barton.
Spotlight: Shaun Williams
Online Student
Q: What’s your connection to Barton?
A: I was stationed at Ft. Riley! (Student.)
Q: What are your educational goals?
A: I am working on a degree in political science and will transfer after this semester!
Q: Where do you consider “home?”
A: I was born and raised in St.Louis and home of the best baseball team ever and The Gateway Arch. Now Memphis is home!
Q: What highlight from your life do you want to share?
A: Retired Army and first-generation college student! I am a single dad of 4. I want to run for elected office!
Q: What is something you are working to improve?
A: My public speaking skills.
Q: What are your interests or hobbies?
A: I love politics and debating! I love watching movies, and music is a passion!
Q: What brought you to Barton?
A: Well, being stationed at Ft. Riley, it was the school to go with. I took a long break and just felt comfortable coming back here to finish!
Q: What is something that you appreciate about Barton?
A: The faculty cares! I mean everyone, from my adviser, Nicole Berger, to all the teachers. Even the financial aid department. No call or email went unanswered thank you!
Q: What unique qualities do you bring to your Barton experience? How do you envision your fit within the Barton “puzzle” overall?
A: Just life experience. I'm just happy to be a part of it.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: My children motivate me to keep pushing and be better! Former President Obama is my inspiration!
Q: What do you wish people knew about you?
A: NA
Q: What are your future goals?
A: My future goals go hand and hand with what I'm doing now. Civic engagement and politics, emphasizing education equality and fighting for a liveable wage and affordable healthcare for all! I look forward to running for public office in the coming year!
Q: What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion? What can you do and what can Barton do to promote these ideals?
A: People just want to live their lives and be happy. They also want the same rights and opportunities that everyone else enjoys! I will continue to fight for those people to be able to do so without recourse. I think Barton does a very good job in making sure everyone is included and treated fair!
Q: Do you have a favorite quote to share?
A: "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." - Barack Obama
Q: Anything else to share?
A: Vote - it is your right!!!!!