By Jessica Garcia
Patty Murgolo remembers what it was like going through school and never turning down a job when she was offered one. She also understands the value of personal and professional connections and helping others gain access to livable wages.
It’s something she impresses upon her nontraditional students now as Northern Nevada Literacy Council’s Career Pathways coordinator when she gives them the resources they need to overcome their challenges.
“Loyalty and friendship are probably two of the most important things I value,” she said. “Teaching elementary school, I always taught my students to respect yourself and respect others above all. “I live by the golden rule.”
Murgolo has written technical manuals for computer programmers and taken reservation calls for a major airline, though her undergraduate degree was in special education. Eventually, she had her two children and made the move from San Francisco to Sparks where it was more affordable. There were other opportunities locally once her children became of school age and she began teaching once again.
She said one of her own proudest achievements was earning her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Nevada, Reno. It speaks to her commitment to lifelong learning, she said. She came to NNLC in March this year and found her place among the staff quickly.
“It’s very cool that this organization is willing to change and adapt for the benefit of the student,” she said. “We are totally student focused and we do whatever we can to make that student successful.”
Murgolo is responsible for managing the Adult Basic Education programs and manages student orientations when they first come to NNLC. She places them in classes and collaborates with them on their career goals. She also enlists outside agencies to provide them with other resources they might need to ensure success.
“There are a lot of hurdles and things they need to overcome to be successful with their education, and I’m here to help find the resources that will help them,” she said. “I want them to be successful all the while meeting the requirements of the Nevada Department of Education.”
But it’s NNLC’s teachers who bring their expertise to the plate when it comes to understanding their students’ needs as individuals.
“If I want to do something to accommodate scheduling for the student, I make sure the teacher is on board, since they are the ones guiding the student’s curriculum,” she said. “Everything we do to help the student succeed requires teamwork. I love the team and the closeness we have here at NNLC. We watch out for each other. I trust everyone here.”
Murgolo said she wants to help NNLC thrive, and a major goal is helping to reach the rural areas where resources are limited for both the student and employers seeking to grow their business.
“One of my main focuses is working to build resources for reentry populations,” she said.
With NNLC’s unique nontraditional population, Murgolo said respecting every student and their path is vital.
“I try to tell the student, ‘If you’re open with me, then I can help you,’ ” she said. “Their privacy is very important, so I won’t pry. … I listen. One of the best skills I learned is not to talk. Everyone is different, and you need to respect that. If that important conversation is not going to happen at that first meeting, it happens at the next. There has to be a level of trust.”
