Get an inside look at ScholarNet Care Team member Cyndi Schmitz – her role at ScholarNet and her outlook on work and life.
We’ve all had a tough day turned around by an encounter with a knowledgeable person who answers our questions quickly and completely, as well as with compassion and calm that helps us take a deep breath and relax. Care Team member Cyndi Schmitz is someone with the capacity to do that for our ScholarNet customers. Learn more about who she is and the experiences she draws on.
How has your role at ScholarNet changed?
Cyndi Schmitz: As time goes by, I’ve gotten to dig deeper into the functionality and the why’s. I’m a ‘full picture’ kind of person, so knowing why something works the way it does brings clarity to me.
If you were a ScholarNet customer, what do you think you’d like most about using ScholarNet?
CS: How easy it is to use, especially after the new look and feel [of our spring 2021 update]. And of course, the outstanding customer service you get from the ScholarNet team.
How does your outlook impact the experience of ScholarNet customers who interact with you?
CS: I hope my upbeat tone and eagerness to help gives them satisfaction, a little kick in their step and a smile on their face.
How do ScholarNet customers impact your day?
CS: I feel they impact my day for the most part the same way. I get satisfaction in knowing I made someone’s day a little easier and put a smile on their face.
What was your first job, and what was the most important lesson you took away from that experience?
CS: My first job was working at Dairy Queen down in the Florida Keys. It was just up the road from my house. I was 13 and always had the necessities, but I had to work for the extras. I would say that’s the biggest thing I took away from that job – if you want something you have to work for it. Also, I am now the biggest critic of the twist on top of my DQ ice cream cone!
What was the most challenging situation you’ve faced – on or off the job – and how did it change you?
CS: I am proud to say I am a 25 year breast cancer survivor. That experience at a young age – with a husband and a 5- and a 1-1/2-year-old at home – was quite an awakening. Things don’t just happen to others, they can happen to you, so saddle up and hold on tight. My glass of life is almost always full – not half full or half empty – any longer. Keep a positive attitude and take time to smell the roses!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
CS: It’s not right or wrong, it’s just different.
Who is your hero? Why?
CS: My father-in-law. I lost my parents at a young age, and since day one with my now husband of 34 years, he has shown – many times over – that he is the most caring, honest, and thankful man. In tough times, his words of encouragement and positive attitude make all the difference in the world. When our son was a child, every paper in school he had to write about a hero or influence would be about his grandpa. I always said that if I had to come in second to someone else, there’s no other person I’d be ok with being behind.
On your perfect day off, what would you do?
CS: Spend a great day on a boat with my family, playing with our grandson and soaking in the fun and sun.