Three and a half years ago, Saundra decided to make a significant career move by joining the Clerk’s Office after leaving a medical office position that had hit a ceiling in terms of growth. Saundra's transition is a testament to the notion that changing one's professional path can lead to unexpected opportunities. As Saundra herself put it, "I wanted to better myself." The move was influenced by her friend and former coworker Lovinue, who was already a part of the Clerk’s Office and endorsed the decision, according to an article published on the St. John's Clerk website.
Starting in the Minutes and Records section, Saundra found herself in the thick of the administrative work which involved attending meetings for the Board of County Commissioners while managing everything from minutes to Value Adjustment Board (VAB) meetings. "It was a lot," she admitted with an amiable laugh, according to the St. John's Clerk website. The clerical role, heavy with responsibility, even saw her overseeing the VAB meetings towards her last days in that department.
Transitioning to the Traffic Division six months ago, Saundra noticed a stark contrast in the day-to-day tasks. Whereas her previous role was predictable, centered around protocol and procedure, the Traffic Division presented a more dynamic environment. As she puts it, "It’s different," highlighting the varied nature of her current responsibilities, from processing electronic citations to flagging major violations that might necessitate a court appearance.
One of the aspects that keeps Saundra motivated is the camaraderie and support within her team. "We all get along great," Saundra said, revealing that the synergistic atmosphere in the office extends from the division director and the supervisor to the senior clerk who are all ready to assist and guide whenever required, even with new hires integrating into the division. This sentiment reflects the team's united front in managing the high-paced workflow of the Traffic Division, where the collective effort can lead to recommendations such as withholding points for drivers with a clean three-year record, though the fine still needs paying according to the St. John's Clerk website.
Beyond her professional achievements, Saundra's life is firmly rooted in her Floridian heritage and her roles as a mother and family member. With St. Augustine’s coastline marking her personal landscape, the beach near the pier is her sanctuary. Her children, active in sports from Little League to travel softball, and even go-kart racing, consume her time outside of the office. They're a testament to Saundra's dedication, as she balances her job and her personal life with the support of her family, including her father and her brother, an Air Force veteran, who also call Florida home.
Saundra's story, as featured on the St. John's Clerk website, is not only about her own upward mobility but is also a narrative about the adaptability and potential within each of us to positively change our stations. She sums it up with confidence, "I came here to better myself, and I did."
