Spotlight on Success: Jo Anne Mesplay, Bath Savings Institution 🌟
“I recently completed 18 courses to earn my Residential Loan Underwriting Diploma and 12 courses to earn my Residential Mortgage Lending Diploma. The topics covered in these courses play a critical role in my current position and long-term career growth. While each course added value, I believe I benefited most from the communication-focused courses, including Contributing to a Respectful Workplace, Critical Thinking Skills, Written Communication, Steps to a Powerful Personal Brand, and Verbal Communication.
I have a direct personality, and my communication style is often misunderstood or misinterpreted. I have always recognized my strengths, but not necessarily my areas for growth. These courses helped me better understand both. I now have a deeper awareness of different communication styles and preferences, especially those that differ from my own.
It is easy to say you completed courses and earned a certificate or diploma. It is much more challenging to apply what you’ve learned to your professional and personal life. That is what I have committed to doing, and the results have been incredibly rewarding. I am more patient, calm, and fully engaged in my interactions. I am more thoughtful about how others prefer to communicate and how they want to be treated, and I follow through with intention.
I was initially curious about these courses. What would I learn? How could I apply the knowledge? How would I benefit? Would the investment be worth it for my employer? Then I was told something powerful: I am worth it. Bath Savings Institution believes in me and my future at the Bank. They want me to succeed both now and, in the years, ahead.
CFTEA is one of several training resources BSI offers, but it provides the most extensive range of courses, topics, and growth opportunities. I plan to continue my education through CFTEA and am excited to see what’s next.
One important thing I would like everyone to know is how exceptional the instructors are. I had taken several courses before fully realizing this. They are approachable, supportive, encouraging, and hands-on. Once I recognized this, my stress level decreased, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies.
I would strongly encourage anyone to take a CFTEA course to invest in themselves and their career. Don’t take a course simply because you have free time. Take it to grow and strengthen what you already bring to the table. Take it to become a better professional, teammate, and leader. Apply the lessons daily and intentionally. I also found that keeping a journal helped reinforce what I was learning and served as a powerful tool for self-motivation and reflection.”
Congratulations, Jo Anne, on your continued success and dedication to growth. 🎉