Ida Harris

I believe that everyone has a purpose in life, and life will be more meaniful if you fulfill your potential, and devote time to helping others.

Where we live and where we work should be an environment that will enrich and cultivate our relationships with people at various levels in life. A healthy environment inspires one to live more fully.

I am a resident in New York's most beautiful borough, Brooklyn. I love Brooklyn's iconic images, close knit neighborhoods, and beautiful churches. They will inspire you and help you to inspire others. Brooklyn has the finest restaurants, schools, libraries, medical centers, parks, and places of entertainment,

In my youthful years, I was inspired by the "Fashion World." I often visualized a trip to Paris and wearing designer clothes. These dreams were actualized in my adult life.

I pursued a fashiom career. I was awarded a scholarship, and graduated from the "Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), in New York City.

Sometimes, in life we putter and flutter around by wasting time, and staying in careers and relationships that are no longer challenging, meaniful or enjoyable. Change is inevitable, but we can control the way we deal with it.

After several years of working in the Fashion Arena, I attended Pace University and later, attended Baruch College. In spite of challenging circumstances and overcoming family illnesses, I was determined to succeed. I became interested in Healthcare Administration and Holistic Health. I continued to study.

I was truly blessed, when a well-known Chief-of-Service recognized my potential, and selected me for a Healthcare Management postition in a Brooklyn hospital, in the private sector. As the "new kid" on the block, I had to break through many barriers that were created by disgruntaled co-workers. With optimism, I kept focused, while growing and preparing myself for even greater rewards.

Hospitals are not exempt from financial aches and pains, that often become incurable, resulting in mergers, and or demise. One must be willing to adapt to new realities.

Fortunately, for me, "when one door closed, another door opened." I have had management level job offers that were new and exciting. I was selected to prepare for the opening of a large Health and Hospitals Corporation Medical Center, in Brooklyn. I have been employed in upper level Healthcare Management positions in the Medical Center's Ambulatory Care Department. A few years ago, I began my employment as a Consultant for "Special Projects" in the Healthcare field.

Realizing that the mind, body, and soul must be balanced, in order to live a healthy life, I began studying and worked as a volunteer in the ministry. I earned my Ministers' License and an Honorary Masters' Degree at the Science of Living Institute (SOL), in New York City. I use the barometer of my accomplishments to teach and motivate others. Especially, youth. I have a love for Metaphysical teaching.

Co-workers have often referred to me as a "work-a-holic." I know who I am, and I do not believe in labels. I believe that I must use the mind that God has given me, to achieve what I desire in life, and to help others.

Today, the world is rapidly changing, due to technology. Technology has caused a big gap between generations but, there are many opportunities for older adults to learn and adapt to this, "New Tech World."

My hidden desire to become "Tech Literate," has given me a new degree of excitement.

Recently, I became an "Older Adult Convert" to the world of technology. Again, another door opened, and I have been enriched by the computer classes that are taught by instructors from "OATS" (Older Adult Technology Services). My instructors recently selected me for a volunteer position as one of the Editors for their Senior Planet WebSite. The Senior Planet WebSite will broaden the awareness of older adults and help them learn about services and events that are available to them.

To avoid stagnation and boredom of the mind, body, and soul, I try to combine my accomplishments with my purpose, and I still find time to enjoy family, friends, travelling, and the ARTS.

"I do the very best I know how, the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end." (Abraham Lincoln)

I am a volunteer Editor for OATS (Older Adults Technology Services) {http://www.oatsny.org]