Karen Walker, director of financial aid at Southeast Missouri State University, has been told she was raised with a German work ethic. She was not quite sure what that meant until she researched it, but others, by observing her at work, would know it’s a good thing.
“I looked it up and found it means one values and practices order (in chaos), accuracy, thoroughness, punctuality and has the ability to find self-satisfaction in a job well done,” Karen said. “It comes pretty close to defining my work ethic, although I admit I’m not too great in the punctuality area.”
Karen, who has worked at Southeast for 32 years, received her associate’s degree from St. Mary’s College in O’Fallon, Mo., and her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies at Southeast.
Karen admits she chose her career because of its opportunity for career advancementᾰshe said she worked her way through the ranks to her position as directorᾰbut she says the people she has worked with have been her main source of enjoyment at Southeast the last 32 years.
“I have had some outstanding teachers who have challenged me, and I have worked with some of the nicest and smartest people you could ever want to know. Hopefully I have made a difference in some students’ lives as well,” Karen said.
Karen’s endless knowledge of student financial situations, an area with which some people struggle, has helped many students.
She tells them to “be informed and responsibleᾰread what you are sent, follow instructions, meet deadlines, borrow wisely, ask questions and repay your loans.”
It’s not all business for her though. She also reminds students to “have fun, but not too much fun so they can get their degrees completed before they have tons of other obligations that will demand time, energy and resources.”
While not at work, Karen enjoys activities that take her away from the numbers and allow her to tap into her creative side. She likes to read mystery novels, such as Agatha Christie books, and she applies her German work ethic in her hobbies as well when she repurposes found objects and refurbishes old furniture.
“A Saturday spent at yard sales and second-hand shops is almost therapeutic for me,” Karen said.