A Bermuda Public Service Union employee is celebrating 30 years of service as she recalls her journey of hard work and perseverance climbing the career ladder.

Mrs. Thelma Hart started working at the BPSU (formally known at the Bermuda Public Service Association) in 1979 as a secretary. She now holds the post of Training/Research Officer/ Office Manager, an accomplishment that was gradually obtained. Mrs. Hart said: "I began as a secretary and I loved my job, it was very exciting there were never two days alike.

"From secretary, I moved on to Administrative Assistant and due to increased staff demands, I became an Office Manager of all the support staff.

"In the 1980s the Union forged ahead in the representation of workers and that helped to make the job more exciting."

Wanting to progress from that position, she applied for one of the Assistant General Secretary's positions in 1998 and was successful.

At that point, Mrs. Hart felt the need to enhance her educational development and pursued her Bachelor of Arts in Labour Studies. She graduated in 2000 from the National Labour College in Silver Spring, Maryland.

"That, in fact, was one of the highlights of my career," she said. This accomplishment afforded Mrs. Hart the opportunity to hold her current post.

Over the past 30 years, BPSU has had many changes and enhancements. Naturally Mrs. Hart would have witnessed or been apart of many of those changes. One fond memory that she recalled was how the capacity of the Union has been built. She said: "I have seen an increase in membership throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

"We have become a strategic partner between the employers and the members which has led to a better working environment.

"I also remember the day we secured our present home in 1981 and when we burned our mortgage in 1996. We went from Annual General Meetings to Delegates' Conferences, thereby giving delegates an integral part in planning for the future and expressing the voices of the divisions.

"Of course, we have had some very trying times as there is always room for improvement when you're dealing with humans, but I have seen strong leadership pull us through and right the ship when fear and uncertainty reigned."

Being a part of any organisation for a number of years can be very pressing and difficult to maintain. Mrs. Hart, however, advised that one must look at their obstacles as a benchmark for the future.

She said: "Sometimes you may not get all that you're looking for but you have to maintain working relationships with members and management and look forward and use it as a benchmark for future achievements."

The soon-to-be-retired grandmother said she is looking forward to spending more time with her offspring and participating in other extra-curricular interest. "My grandchildren are a focal part of my life and, of course, gardening. I also look forward to travelling more and exploring spiritual growth.

"I intend to continue to surround myself with positive people and enjoy the moments in time as they unfold," she said.

To those inspiring to move forward or not satisfied in their current position, Mrs. Hart offers words of wisdom: "Set a goal and create a vision. Stay focused and look to maximise your potential. In doing so, I feel your latent talents will lead you on to future successes."

She added: "Living and working in an ever evolving society, it is important for us to embrace change and reach back and bring others along in reaching their fullest potential."