eCore student, Steven Dunn, is flying high on a cloud of success in his General Manager position at Priority Jet. He is a former deputy sheriff, firefighter and emergency medical technician. In 2006 he took off in a different direction to begin a career in a field where his passion lies with 3001, Inc., as an Airborne Sensor Operator.
In 2009, Steven joined Priority Jet and then in May of this year he was promoted to General Manager! “Without this particular class [eCore COMM 1100], I may not be where I am today in my career. Learning how to articulate plans and communicate those plans to peers and business clients is one of the most valuable aspects a manager can exhibit. Using the lessons learned throughout this course played an integral part of having the leadership skills needed to take Priority Jet, as a team, to new heights,” Steven says.
Steven says that he has “always had a love for aviation and airplanes in general. I can remember as a child, parking on Loop Rd. at Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson with my parents and just watching the airplanes take off and land. When I was 3 or 4 years old, I flew from California to Georgia on an airliner and recall keeping my nose stuck to the window while watching the fun things happening with the wings during flight. Back then you could also talk to the pilots in the cockpit because they weren’t required to keep their door closed. I remember the Delta Airlines flight attendant giving me my first set of “wings” that I still keep in a trunk in my attic.” When he decided to get a degree, Steven says he wanted to do something that would keep his interest through each class, so he decided to major in something he loves.
Steven added, "Believe it or not, I have a fear of heights. I love flying airplanes but you can’t force me on the roof of a small house. The only thing I fear more than heights is public speaking. I dreaded the thought of being required to take this COMM 1100 course. Wow, what an experience! My instructor, Dr. Mike Rogers, has a great sense of humor and chimed in on our discussions to keep them alive. I have never had a class where the students were so passionate about the aspects of the course. We learned quickly that everyone in the class shared the same fear of speaking in public. For some, meeting a single person in public was as stressful as speaking to a group of people. The textbook and course taught me how to deal with those fears while understanding that anxiety is normal. We were encouraged to speak on topics we were passionate about. It was amazing to see how each of us progressed throughout the course through communicating. I learned a great deal about my past personal experiences and how I could better communicate, given the same situation, in the future by doing something as simple as “listening”. Imagine a new world, post-class atmosphere, where you view each conversation in a new light while absorbing valuable information you may have previously missed. This is what I walked away with and use every day."
When asked what would you say to other eCore students in your position, what would it be? Steven stated, “Life is short and waiting for tomorrow will mean another day wasted. It is NEVER too late to start or finish what you have always wanted to do. Integrity and hard work do pay well, but more than likely when you least expect it. Managing a business, raising a family on a single income, and juggling a college curriculum simultaneously is one of the hardest things that I have ever tried to accomplish; however, the greatest things in life are well worth the extra effort. Obtaining a college education in Georgia is one the most cost effective ways you can boost self-confidence – thanks to Federal Grants and HOPE, it is almost free! While I sit at my desk after work or browse the internet at home, my CSU classes are never more than a few clicks away. It’s great!”
Steven’s success can be an inspiration to us all!
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