Diane Hawkins:  district4vp@gnrptk.org

My name is Diana Hawkins; I was born and raised on a ranch in Salina, Kansas.  I was the only girl and the youngest with thirteen older brothers. My family had every kind of farm animal you could imagine. We did custom combining to harvest wheat from state to state, and also had a huge garden. My job was to feed the animals, tend the garden, help in the fields, and help my mom clean and prepare meals. As I grew older, my chores became more demanding. Needless to say, I grew up quickly and learned the true meaning of working hard at a young age. I am very thankful to my parents for teaching me good working morals, which has followed me to all my jobs.

I got pregnant with my first child at the age of 15 and dropped out of high school and had two more children by the time I was 17 years of age, two boys and the youngest a girl. This was tough for me as a single mom and so young. I went to work at dead end jobs just to make it by. I found my first glimpse of hope when I was able to return to school and pursue a career that would help me to support my three children.

I first started my education at VO-tech Indian Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater Oklahoma in the spring of 1990. My first educational goal was to get my G.E.D. I remember being scared, full of fear, wondering if I could do it. I was a high school dropout with three children. I studied hard to receive my G.E.D., and then I enrolled in the Industrial Technology program the fall of 1991, and for two years I studied electronics and their controls; electrical wiring, both commercial and residential; and hydraulics and pneumatics. I next attended Oklahoma State University and received my degree in the summer of 1995 studying Industrial Technology in the areas of robotics, programmable logic controllers, and automation. During these years at college I joined the Instrument Society of America (ISA) and Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) and enjoyed various competitions.  I learned so much during this time, but most importantly I learned that I can accomplish any goal I put my mind to.

After receiving my A.A.S. degree from Oklahoma State University I went to work for several years and continued to raise my three children. I had some good jobs and some not so great, but each job gave me a wide range of knowledge and skills.  I moved to Valdez, Alaska, and enrolled at Prince William Sound Community College to continue my education in Industrial Technology in the fall 2010. I am now working towards a double A.A.S degree in the two fields that go hand in hand: Oil Spill Response with an Emphasis on Safety Management. With my children now grown, I decided to chase my dreams once again.  I will never forget going through the mountain pass till the highway ended at this beautiful little town on the inlet where my son now lives.

During the first day of class, my hands were sweaty and I was very nervous; it had been years since I had gone to school, but I knew I could embrace the challenges.  I served as Treasurer for our Alpha Psi Gamma chapter and Senator for our Student Association during the fall of 2011.  I am currently serving as District Four Vice President for the Greater Northwest Region as well as President in my home chapter, and Treasurer in The Student Government Association. I enjoy getting involved in my school and take great pride in being a student at Prince William Sound Community College. My future plans are to continue my education at the University of Fairbanks, working towards my Bachelors' Degree in Safety Management.

Though my life experiences, past jobs, and education I have gained a great amount of strengths, but it is though the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and the Student Association that I am learning how to serve the student, be a leader, and a team player. My philosophy is to set high goals in life, persevere, and strive to learn something new every day.  A wasted day is one when I have learned nothing.  I never give up.  Now I am looking forward to serving the chapters in the state of Alaska as well as the Greater Northwest Region. I am thankful to all those who have helped me along the way; each and every one who has played a role in my education, has played a role in who I am today. I look forward to serving as your Greater Northwest Region District IV Vice President; I am committed to serving you well.