USAC Meet a Member: Faith Bishop
What department do you work in and what is your job title?
I work in Graduate Education as the Associate Director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Special Project Director for Graduate Education & Postdoctoral Training
How long have you been a Vanderbilt employee?
I have worked at Vanderbilt since 2016.
How long have you been a part of USAC and how has it impacted you?
I’ve been a member of USAC since 2020. The greatest part of USAC is being able to connect with such a wide community of people who are passionate about other people and want to make Vanderbilt a great place to work.
What do you enjoy most about Vanderbilt? (i.e. missions, benefits, views of sustainability, community, etc.)?
I love the people I meet and get to work with at Vanderbilt. I have learned so much from many people across campus. In my job, I work with units across the university and medical center, so every day is a little different.
What is one important skill every person should have?
Communication skills. I think being a good communicator can go a long way in both professional and personal life.
Do you feel like you have a good work/life balance?
Yes, after many years and many tries, I have a good work/life balance. I’ve realized that nothing is more important than family, so I make sure to be there for all the big life events that happen with my children and my husband.
Are you more productive at night or in the morning? Do you think it is possible to change and get used to a new schedule?
Historically, I am more productive at night. I really like sleeping in. Recently, I have been getting up early because my littlest gets up at 5. I am reluctantly getting used to that schedule.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I think like all children at one point or another, I wanted to be a teacher. I was pre-med for a while in college, then went down the K-12 education path for English. I ended up with a degree in communications.
If you could visit any country with no budget, where would you visit?
Japan! I would eat my way through the country (sushi and ramen!) and experience the great Japanese culture.
What is your favorite type of music?
I appreciate most music, but you can usually find me listening to indie music or pop-punk emo bands from the early aughts.
What has been your favorite vacation you have ever been on?
I don’t have a favorite vacation, instead I have favorite places that are my family’s go-to spots. The Pacific Northwest and New Orleans are two of our favorite vacation spots.
What are you most proud of in your life thus far?
My six-year-old daughter is the most kind and thoughtful person you will ever meet. I’m extremely proud of that.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
I love walking. We live in a very walkable area of Nashville, so some weekends we may walk several miles just to be out of the house.
What is something on your bucket list?
To eat at Le Bernardin in NYC.