Staff Interview: Val Oliver Web Developer and Social Media Coordinator

Interview with: VAL OLIVER Web Developer and Social Media Coordinator

Valerine (Val) Oliver is the Web Developer and Social Media Coordinator for Ave Maria Law. Val is currently completing a Master of Science degree in Information and Communications Technology with a concentration in Web Design and Web Development. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Marriage and Family Studies/ Theology from DeSales University. Having a demonstrated history of working in the education industry, Val brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Ave Maria Law. Val is a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend.

What do you enjoy most about being on the staff at Ave Maria Law? When I first started at Ave Maria Law, I knew it was going to be a place I would enjoy coming to work. Everyone around me takes pride in their contribution to the school. There are so many different components that keep the school running smoothly. The staff are all about teamwork and helping one another. This makes a world of difference in a work environment. When I get asked, “Where do you work?”, I am honored to say, I work at Ave Maria School of Law.

What is the day-to-day like in your role? Having two major roles within my position, my day must be divided between the role of web developer and social media coordinator. I have found that the most important part of my day is to start off with thanking God and asking him for guidance. Then, having my coffee in hand, I begin to go through emails. Once I have completed my morning ritual, I set myself up with items that must be completed for the day and the week. By the end of the week, my “To Do List” has evolved into several pages of checked off items, notes, and diagrams that could only be understood by me. In both roles, organization is key. I absolutely love the ability to be creative in each role.

”Above all, God has been my strength. With his grace, I have been able to keep myself going through the times I thought I could no longer continue my goals.”

In addition to working and raising a family, you are currently pursuing a Master’s Degree. This is inspiring. Can you share tips on how you manage it all? I am blessed to have a wonderful husband who helps me out. Thanks to him, I am not managing it all on my own. We are a team! Most of the time, we are more like a tag team. I can share what has worked for me. Everyone, of course, has their own way of managing their day to day. Keeping a schedule has been very helpful. I can’t say that I always follow it, but for the most part having a schedule keeps my day organized and on task. I have also learned how to use the word, “No”. That was very hard to do. Sometimes too many things on your plate can lead to becoming overwhelmed. It can be hard, at times, to balance everything. Above all, God has been my strength. With his grace, I have been able to keep myself going through the times I thought I could no longer continue my goals. I often have conversations with God for guidance. I ask the Lord to lead me. Sure enough, he always does.

Outside of work and under normal circumstances, what do you and your family enjoy doing for fun? One of the reasons my family and I moved to Southwest Florida from Pennsylvania was the beautiful beaches. We absolutely love the beach and its close proximity. We are also big on family time. Whenever possible, we enjoy having family cookouts and game night.

What is your favorite quote? Why? I have more of a favorite scripture than a quote. I am big on trying to be as positive as possible. Like everyone, I have gloomy days. With that being said, I turn to the following scripture to get me though uncertain times. “Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7

Thank you for your time, Val.