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(June 21, 2005)—For those who know Shannon Prater, her new venture to become a safety officer for children shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.
Prater, support specialist in the department of Human Resources, prides herself on helping others — and shows it every day. She is not only helpful to potential employees — often being the first person they encounter — but also to her co-workers, family, friends and the community. Yet, she wants to do even more by diversifying her interests and increasing her skills.
“I didn’t really know what I wanted to be when I grew up,” Prater said. “But one year when the health science center was recruiting additional Area Safety Liaisons, my supervisor decided I would be a good fit. I was trained to assist in times of emergency, work with automatic external defibrillators and properly use fire extinguishers. I became particularly intrigued with the function of the fire control panel and realized that safety was an area I enjoyed.”
Area Safety Liaisons are employees within the health science center who volunteer to receive additional training in safety skills, in addition to their normal job duties. They are equipped to be the first point of contact in an emergency situation. Each safety liaison is trained to have a basic understanding of emergency response and know how to respond if necessary.
Prater spoke with Robert Emery, Dr.P.H., assistant vice president for safety, health, environment and risk management, who encouraged her to pursue her professional development goals.
“I am always glad to see someone interested in moving forward to develop opportunities for different career options,” Emery said. “Additional training in any field is always beneficial, whether it opens an opportunity within or outside of the health science center. And that is exactly what Shannon is doing — opening opportunities for herself,” he said.
“We recognize our Area Safety Liaisons have full-time jobs that are their main priority. We are always conscious of that and appreciate any help they can lend while still fulfilling their primary job responsibilities, especially when they are as enthusiastic as Shannon,” he added.
Recently Prater signed up to undergo basic firefighter training at Houston Community College, which will provide her with some of the skills and certification she needs on the path toward having a career in safety.
On top of the support she has received from within the health science center, Prater has also received backing from the community.
Marvin Setzer, chief of the Brazoria Fire Department and father of Tim Setzer, who is in Facilities Operations at the health science center, is loaning Prater his fire gear temporarily. He also will sponsor Prater’s own custom-fitted $1,200 fire gear.
“I just thank God that people like Chief Setzer have been sent to help me along the way. He is such a giving man and a pillar in his community. I can’t fill his boots, but I’ll be proud to wear them.”
Prater said her primary goal is to visit schools and teach children the importance of safety. “If this is what it takes to do it, then this is what I am going to do.”
Those who know Prater don’t doubt her success in child safety. After all, she has succeeded in so many other areas of her life.
Her current career is one of those areas. Each day Prater succeeds in making the day brighter for her co-workers and outside visitors to the health science center. She received numerous awards from the former Vice President for Human Resources, Michael Jimenez, commending her for a “cheerful disposition and for always being helpful.”
“He called me the Director of First Impressions,” Prater said. “He really fostered who I am. He told me: ‘ Shannon, you are the most important person here. You set the tone for the health science center. People who don’t know anything about us, get their impression from you.’
“I want to make Human Resources a not-so-scary place to walk into. People come here and they are already tense and nervous. I want them to walk out relaxed and with a smile on their face,” she said.
Rhonda Tidwell, a benefits advisor in Human Resources, describes Prater as fun and vibrant with a heart of gold. “ Shannon is such a character — there is no one quite like her. Recently, before my husband left to go overseas on business she called him the night before and prayed for his safe return. That meant more to me than words can express.”
Sheila Smith, senior benefits advisor in Human Resources said, “integrity” comes to mind when she thinks of Shannon. “She displays nothing but good intentions and will excel in her chosen area because of her true love for safety, especially when children are involved.”
According to Stephanie Jones, another one of Prater’s co-workers, her best quality is her pleasant personality. “She would definitely give you a boost if you are having a bad day. And as far as her training in safety, I think that will be a good venture for her. She always has a genuine concern for the welfare of others. Being involved in a critical area — teaching safety to children, is definitely something she would be good at.”
In addition to serving as a quality employee, Prater is community service oriented. She has participated in a number of health science center volunteer efforts, including the Food Drive, Eeyore’s Fun Run, the American Heart Association Heart Walk, March of Dimes and United to Serve. She is also a Sunday School teacher and volunteers at a hospice. However, her most proud accomplishment is the raising of her 17-year-old son, Aryol.
And with all that — she has still set her sights on helping even more.
“If I can help one person at the end of the day then I feel I have done well. I have been given so many opportunities and have been so blessed that I see it as an obligation to give back. It’s about never giving up. Always being willing to get up and go for it.”
By Erika E. Durham, Public Affairs
Date Posted: 06/21/2005
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