March 4, 2004

Profile: Shericka Pringle

Title; length of service: Business coordinator, department of preventive medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine; five years

What do you do? I supervise administrative support staff, oversee finance and payroll and manage facilities for the department of preventive medicine. I work with faculty and staff to communicate and interpret University policies and procedures. Unrelated to my position as business coordinator, I also facilitate Human Resources training and development courses. I train new employees in areas like introduction to business processes, the acquisition of goods and services and accounting and reporting.

Are you a natural teacher? I don’t have prior teaching experience, but I have strong interpersonal communication skills. It has always seemed natural for me. When I work one-on-one, I try to understand how the other person learns, which helps me communicate clearly.

What did you study in school? I earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Illinois-Chicago. In the workplace, I only use the English to write e-mails; however, I write poetry in my spare time.

What inspires your writing? I write mostly love poems; however, occasionally write about political and social issues. I’ve read my work at various spots around the city, not the poetry slams but the open mic nights. The kinds of places where they cheer for you and encourage you even if you’re terrible.

What are you working on now? Besides the poetry, I’m working on my MBA with a concentration in human resources. I want to help people improve their work lives. Eventually I’d like to pursue a doctoral degree in counseling psychology and become a career counselor.

How do you spend your free time? I live in River Forest with my daughter and fiancé. When I can, I read romance novels. Lately, I’ve been spending most of my time planning for my wedding in August.

— Stephen Anzaldi