Deacon Spotlight: Pauline Bearden Simonowich

Pauline Bearden Simonowich (1987, BA Sociology)

Part-Time Faculty, Developmental Education & Academic Support and Social & Human Services at PITT Community College in Greenville, NC

Tell us about your current job role/employer and what you’re currently working on. 

Before anything else, I have to share my favorite new “job”—I’m a grandma! My granddaughter is two months old, and she’s the joy of my life. That role has definitely taken center stage lately.

Professionally, I’ve been teaching at a community college for nearly 20 years, though I took a break to raise my kids and returned about a decade ago. My work spans several areas, but my passion is developmental education—helping students strengthen their writing, study skills, and overall readiness for college-level courses. I also teach a college seminar required for all degree-seeking students and courses in human services, drawing from MS in Rehabilitation Counseling (‘91) from East Carolina University (where my father spent his 57-year career in academia)! I love supporting students in building academic and life skills that serve them both during college and long after.

I see myself as a coach as much as an instructor, which ties into my love of sports. I enjoy coming alongside students with guidance and encouragement, and I’m currently pursuing coaching certifications to deepen that role. Guiding students as they grow academically and personally is what I’m most passionate about.

What key personal and/or career experiences led you to where you are today?

I often tell my students to “look at the clues in your life”—what you spend your time, energy, and money on can point you toward your path. For me, those clues started early. As a teenager, I was drawn to books about people on the fringes of society, facing challenges like addiction and adversity. That fascination with people and their stories naturally led me to major in sociology. During college, I got involved in jail ministry and other service activities, which deepened my passion for understanding and helping others.

After earning my master’s degree, I became a probation officer in Greenville, NC and loved the work. Later, I shifted to case management to prepare for starting a family. That eventually led me to teaching—a career I never expected but absolutely love. I remind my students never to say “never,” because sometimes the unexpected paths become the most fulfilling. Looking back, it’s clear that following my interests and recognizing those clues brought me to where I am today.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job? How do you navigate that challenge?

The biggest challenge in my job has always been motivating students, especially those who haven’t historically excelled in school. Many of my students are navigating college after struggling in grades K-12 or coming to it later in life through nontraditional paths. Helping them make a big shift in their approach to learning is both a challenge and something I deeply enjoy. I thrive on working with people and tackling meaningful challenges like this.

In recent years, keeping up with technology has been another hurdle. Coming from an era of no computers in school, I’ve had to work hard to adapt—and embrace—new tools and approaches, especially as everything shifted post-COVID. Deadlines often feel optional to students now, so helping them stay on track has been an ongoing effort. Thankfully, my students are willing to teach me as much as I teach them, and that collaborative spirit keeps me motivated.

What advice would you give to new Wake Forest graduates about developing their personal life habits after college (finances, health, values, work/life balance)?

Again, my advice is to “follow the clues” in your life—they’re already there. Pay attention to how you spend your time, money, and energy. These can point you toward what you value most and, often, where your passions lie. Sometimes it’s a hobby, but it could also lead to your vocation. Be willing to reflect and, if needed, take risks to make meaningful changes.

Time management is key—it ties into everything: finances, health, values, and balance. Learn to manage your time instead of letting it manage you. This skill is critical for navigating life after college and can open the door to achieving so much more. Be intentional with how you use your time and look for examples to learn from—whether it’s mentors, peers, or practical advice. And don’t forget to make a plan. Having a clear strategy helps you move forward with purpose rather than piecing things together haphazardly. It’s advice I try to follow myself—though none of us are perfect!

We know that relationships are important for any kind of development. How do you build and maintain your network?

Building and maintaining a network often starts with taking advantage of opportunities right in front of you. I tell my students all the time: don’t overthink it—just take the leap. Whether it’s a program like the Alumni Coffee Chats, an event, or even a chance encounter, these moments are gifts. The groundwork is often already done; all you need to do is step in and make the connection. Stay open-minded and keep your eyes peeled for these opportunities, whether formal or informal, and don’t underestimate the power of a simple conversation.

One example that stands out is from a coffee chat I had with a Florida-based Wake Forest alum. After our coffee chat, Florida experienced a hurricane, and I had the chance to follow up and check in on how they were doing. That personal connection stayed with me. Moments like that remind me how networking is less about formality and more about building genuine human connections. Whether it’s bringing people to campus or making the effort to meet someone new, the key is being intentional. Networking doesn’t have to cost you anything—just your willingness to reach out, get involved, and keep the conversation going.

Tell us about your mentoring relationships. What impact have these relationships had on your career and life?

Mentorship has been a profound yet often informal part of my career. Looking back, mentoring wasn’t something I actively sought out in a formal sense, but those relationships developed naturally and became invaluable. One mentor who stands out is a remarkable woman I connected with through business years ago. She’s now 95, vivacious, and a trailblazer—running a successful business long before it was common for women to do so. What started as a professional connection turned into a 40-year friendship and mentorship. She’s been a spiritual guide and a powerful example of the kind of person I aspire to be at her age.

Throughout my career, I’ve always looked for people whose expertise I can learn from, while hoping to offer something in return. Even now, at this stage of my career, I remain open to mentorship because the need for guidance and inspiration never fades. It’s about staying aware and appreciating the mentors who cross your path, often in the most unexpected ways.

What advice would you give to current Wake Forest students and/or young alumni who are interested in working in your industry?

My advice for students or young alumni interested in teaching—or any helping profession—is to embrace the unexpected. Don’t be afraid to step into a role you never envisioned for yourself. Teaching, for example, wasn’t my original plan, but it has become deeply rewarding. Remember, you always have something valuable to offer, even if it’s simply providing support and walking alongside others in their journey. That kind of connection can make a world of difference.

It’s also important not to let money deter you. Teaching can be financially challenging, but like time, it’s not about how much you have—it’s about how you use it. I’ve worked in higher-paying industries and found they didn’t bring the same sense of fulfillment. Teaching can be demanding, but if your heart is in it, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Stay open to opportunities, whether it’s teaching or mentoring later in life, and always look for ways to give back, no matter your career path.

What’s next for your career? What future goals or plans are you pursuing?

I always try to stay engaged in professional development—there’s just so much to explore. I’ve pursued training in areas like True Colors and mental health first aid, which helps me support students in need. Recently, I earned a mental health coaching certificate and am working toward certifications in trauma, resilience, and substance abuse coaching. While I don’t plan to start a business right now, I’d love to use these skills in a more personal, mission-driven way, like informal “coffee cup counseling” or small group discussions. I already host a book group, which has been so rewarding, and I hope to continue creating spaces for mutual sharing and connection.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to spend more time with family, especially my granddaughter, and to travel—mainly smaller trips, sporting events, and spontaneous day trips. It’s all about finding joy in the simple moments and doing things that feed the soul.

Story published in November 2024.