Lynden is recognizing employees who make a difference every day on the job and demonstrate our core values, Lynden's very own everyday heroes! Employees are nominated by managers and supervisors from all roles within the Lynden family of companies.
Introducing Margaret Odya, Administrative Assistant at Alaska West Express - Lynden Training Center in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Name: Margaret Odya
Company: Alaska West Express - Lynden Training Center
Title: Administrative Assistant
Location: Fairbanks, AK
On the Job Since: 2015
Superpower: Dependably reliable
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Favorite Movie: Love Actually
Bucket List Destination: Already accomplished; I’m living in Alaska!
For Fun: Textile crafting, reading, and taking walks in the cold, snowy dark winter
How and when did you start working for Alaska West Express and Lynden Training Center?
After a few years of planning, I quit my job, sold my house, bought a trailer, packed my things and, with my sister as my co-pilot, leisurely drove from Milwaukee to Fairbanks, arriving May 29, 2015. It was just short of 3,900 miles and a little more than 80 hours. My first job in broadcasting had literally been handed to me on a silver platter. I got my second job in marketing/advertising pretty much the same way. It wasn’t until I applied at Alaska West Express that I finally had to take part in an actual job interview! I must have done okay, because they offered me the position. I accepted and started a few weeks later. The rest is history…
What is a typical day like for you?
Nothing is typical, routine or predictable – that’s why I enjoy it so much. I provide staff, customers and Alaska West Express employees with information and administrative support; maintain the overall appearance, performance and productivity of the office and classroom environments; assist with preparing training materials; document employee training, maintain the training database; generate certificates and course certifications, process billing and invoicing, and make sure there’s always fresh coffee available.
What has been most challenging in your career?
I find keeping up with technology to be a challenge – on the TV, on my phone, and yes, even at work. It’s constantly evolving and changing and by the time you’re able to remember a process – it’s already outdated, and it’s being revised! It may take me a bit to catch on, but I will not let it get the better of me.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Early in my career, I was given the opportunity to be a manager. I learned that wasn’t the best way to use my talents. I realized that I am proud and content to be a reliable ‘worker bee.’ Handling assignments. Completing projects. Finding solutions. Supporting the process. If someone benefits or their job is made easier because of something I’ve done, then it’s been a successful day. Over the years, I’ve refined words of encouragement from my first boss…(I am) driven by a passion for accuracy, a respect for integrity, and a proud devotee of creative ingenuity.
Can you tell us about your family and growing up years?
I am the seventh of eight siblings. I have four brothers and three older sisters. The family still lives around Milwaukee (except a younger brother in Okinawa), and I try to get home at least once a year. I don’t have any kids of my own, but I am really fortunate to have been active in raising all of my nieces and nephews. I got my work ethic from my dad who rarely took a day off and retired as foundry foreman at International Harvester. My thrifty upcycling/repurposing passion comes from my mother who magically provided everything for everyone – all from one income. If hand-me-downs weren’t available or we couldn’t afford it, you learned how to make it.
What was your first job?
The summer between 7th and 8th grade I had a paper route to earn money to pay for high school. My dad built sidewalls for my wagon so it could handle the 100 daily and 150 Sunday-only subscribers across a 3-mile neighborhood route. With eight kids over 15 years, our parents only covered our grade school expenses. High school (and college) was left entirely to us. We could attend either public or private, it was our responsibility to pay for it. One brother chose a technical high school, but the rest of us all paid our way (or took advantage of work study programs) to attend private parochial schools. And six of the eight also went on to college.
What would surprise most people about you?
I was a waitress at The Pfister Hotel, a downtown Milwaukee historical landmark when I was ‘discovered’ and offered a job on the radio. I quickly worked my way up the ranks and became the midday host on WOKY. Over the next 15 years, I also held the positions of Program Director, Music Director, and Production Director. The station’s Big Band format brought a variety of entertainers and celebrities to town. Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, and Johnny Mathis were among the favorites I met.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I enjoy knitting, crocheting, reading, and taking walks in the cold, snowy dark winter!
What do you like best about your job?
The work is stimulating and challenging. It forces me to try and stay organized, on time, and to anticipate what’s needed for the next task. I’m surrounded by a really great group of dedicated and knowledgeable people, each really passionate about their work and their roles at Alaska West Express. But the best part...everyone has a great sense of humor and is wickedly funny (or at least thinks they are!). When it’s good, it’s good; and at Alaska West Express and Lynden Training Center, I’ve got it good.
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