Fostering Careers & Relationships
Tim Albert '95
Tim Albert, Cardinal school board member and production manager at Ottumwa Water Works, attended Cardinal Community School District from kindergarten through 12th grade.
His time at Cardinal was marked with life lessons about relationships and positive attitudes.
“In middle school, Mr. Andre used to say that ‘In history, there are two equal and opposite views to every situation’ and that is true,” Albert says. “When you are given information that you have to make a decision, you must be strong enough to force yourself to look at it from the other person's point of view.”
These lessons in thoughtfulness continued throughout Albert’s time at Cardinal thanks to teachers who encouraged student debate.
“We didn't always agree but we all had an idea that we were all good people even if we didn't agree about issues,” Albert says. “Disagreements were civil and discussion was spirited but we were made better by it.”
In fact, Albert’s classmates are some of his lifelong friends — something he finds may be unique to Cardinal.
“Cardinal has always had a tighter group of friendships that seems to stand the test of time,” Albert says.
In addition to building strong friendships and respectful discussion tactics, Albert’s time at Cardinal fostered his interest in chemistry and waterworks. His chemistry class was geared for industry rather than just theory, giving students a better idea of what a career in that field would look like. A senior year field trip to the Water Plant in Ottumwa piqued his interest even more.
“I remember thinking this looks cool,” Albert explains. “I asked the guy giving the tour, ‘how do you get a job like this?’”
Albert followed the man’s advice, receiving a degree in Water Environmental Science. He worked in the industry in Tama for 3 and a half years while waiting for a position to open up in Ottumwa.
His return to the area has allowed him to reunite with Cardinal as a school board member where he can support students and give back to the community.
“Cardinal cares,” Albert says. “I want people to remember that the employees and the administration and the board cares and wants the best for the kids. We are not perfect but it is a great community to do life together with.”
