Barbara Pearson's office is not like most others. Complete with a coffee table, sofa and armchairs, her office is comfortable and inviting.

Pearson, assistant director of University Counseling Services, is a small, soft-spoken woman with a tranquil personality.

But underneath her calm exterior is a hectic, nonstop life she loves.

Growing up in what Pearson described as "a big, bubbly family" of eight, she has always been a people person. As the oldest child, she was also a caretaker of her younger siblings.

Pearson grew up in Massachusetts but spent most of her adult life in Vermont. Although she has been a licensed psychologist for more than 20 years, she originally majored in business and marketing at Castleton State College.

She received a degree in business and had her own consulting company. Even as a consultant, she was intrigued by people. At a time when computers were just coming into offices and Pearson was training employees to use them, she saw how these new technologies affected the workers.

This was Pearson's first glimpse into psychology. She noticed how tense and anxious people were when they were first learning to use the new systems.

"It sparked the passion for looking into change and how change affects people," she said. "That became my interest."

However, this was not the instance that completely changed Pearson's career path.

In the middle of a Vermont winter on her way home from work, Pearson made a last-minute stop at a small yarn shop located in the owner's home. The quick stop turned into an entire evening because Pearson's car would not start in the cold winter air. The owner of the shop let her stay while she waited for a mechanic, and the two talked over a cup of tea.

The woman who owned the shop told Pearson about her problems. She said she was heading to court for a custody fight the next day. The woman told her she had given up and did not expect to win. Having two children herself, Pearson listened and empathized with the woman. She told her how important a mother was to her children and helped the woman gain the confidence she needed before the hearing.

"I thought it was important to her," Pearson said.

That night started Pearson thinking about what she really wanted to be doing, and she considered psychology as a real possibility. Four months later when she received a card in the mail from the women at the yarn shop, telling her she had received joint custody of her children, Pearson knew what she was going to do.

"It tipped the scale," she said. "This is what I really want to do."

Pearson began working toward her psychology degree in Antioch University New England, N.H., and eventually earned a master's degree.

After her children were grown, she decided to get her doctoral degree, which brought her to K-State. Although she originally came for a year-long internship, she has lived in Manhattan ever since and now has more than 20 years of psychology experience.

Along with being assistant director and a licensed psychologist, Pearson supervises K-State interns, co-leads a counseling training group, teaches several seminars and has a small private practice.

Heather Reed, director of student life, has worked with Pearson for five years and described her as a wonderful, welcoming person to work with.

"I appreciate her marvelous insight and knowledge and admire the way she can work with students," she said.

Pearson is also a creator and a manager for the Web site UniversityLifeCafe.com. The site has information on topics like depression and provides students with an opportunity to express themselves and have someone to talk with if they are having problems. Students can post their feelings on discussion boards, look at art and writings, receive academic tips and learn to manage stress.

Karen Low, assistant director of student life, who has worked with Pearson for about three years, said she is a still, reflective and nurturing individual.

"I respect her as a professional, and I enjoy her as a person," she said.

With many responsibilities, Pearson has little time to herself, but said she does not mind.

"I love what I do," Pearson said, "so it's not work."

Pearson is used to her on-the-go lifestyle, but said in the future she hopes to slow down. For now, when she wants to take a break, she likes to spend time cooking and said it is therapeutic for her.

Thirty years ago, when Pearson was working as a consultant and raising two kids, she never would have imagined that a winter day and engine trouble would eventually lead her to the many jobs she loves doing today.

offered, and four more clinics are tentatively scheduled, Doyle said. There is a possibility of more on the way next semester based on availability of the vaccine.

"At this point, we have plenty of vaccines, but obviously it depends on how many students come in and get them," Doyle said. "We'll run the clinics as long as it takes to get rid of our vaccines."

Doyle said Lafene recommends all students get vaccinated for H1N1 as well as the seasonal flu shot, which is distributed weekly starting this Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m.

"It's for their own health and well-being," she said. "We want to keep them healthy this semester. One of the best ways to do that is to get that vaccine."

Many K-State community members have already received the vaccine for various reasons.

Latanya Skillern, an employee for the K-State Student Union, said she has been trying to get vaccinated for several weeks and finally had the opportunity on Monday. Skillern said she received the vaccination for the sake of her two children's health.

Jessica Heuback, senior in communications studies, got vaccinated to appease her mother.

"My mom keeps bugging me about it, so that was a primary reason," Heuback said, "but I also don't want to get sick around finals time."