What’s With the Llamas? Celebrating 10 Years
August 2023 marks the 10-year anniversary for EduCred Services! Traditionally, 10-year anniversaries are celebrated with tin, but, as we reflect on our journey, we find ourselves appreciating the significance of this moment more than any material symbol. So, instead, we have chosen to mark this special occasion with a renewed website design and by embracing our beloved unofficial mascot—the noble llama.
We know that accreditation and compliance can be overwhelming for many, so a few years ago, we implemented a project tracking/visualization tool called "The Llama Farm" (where each task is represented by a llama, and as you complete the tasks, the llamas on your 'farm' turn green and start to dance) to make data tracking more manageable and motivating. What started as a simple way to add personality to a process has evolved into a genuine representation of our commitment to helping our clients achieve their goals. Looking back on the lessons learned during this remarkable journey, we have come to appreciate the profound qualities that llamas embody—qualities that align perfectly with our consulting principles.
Social Creatures for a Connected Community
We firmly believe that education thrives when it’s supported by a vibrant, collaborative community. Much like llamas, who are highly social animals, we recognize the value of relationships and connections within higher education institutions. Llamas form tight-knit herds, supporting, guiding, and providing information to each other. They are also used as guard animals and are known to ‘adopt’ goats or sheep into the herd, defending them from would-be predators. I’m not going to claim to regularly fight off dangerous animals, but we do forge strong relationships with our clients and take their goals and well-being very seriously.
Our llama mascot stands as beacons of unity, encouraging teams to work together, share knowledge, and grow as part of a larger academic family. Just like our llama friends, when we collaborate, we unlock our true potential to adapt and succeed.
Surefootedness: Navigating Complicated Terrain
In the ever-changing landscape of higher education, consistency and resilience are essential. Llamas’ unique hoofs allow them to balance and maintain traction on treacherous slopes. Renowned for their agility and surefootedness, they demonstrate an important principle: you can run as fast as you want, but if you don’t pay attention and adapt well to obstacles, you’re not going to make it out of the canyon.
Accreditation and compliance processes can be daunting, and regulations and requirements frequently shift, but we know the terrain and know how to pivot. We pride ourselves on providing steadfast guidance, ensuring that our clients never lose their footing throughout their journey. Our expertise and experience enable institutions to move confidently toward their goals, even along the steepest inclines.
The Perfect Balance of Quirky and Professional
Celebrating a decade of success is a perfect time to embrace our unique identity. Our llama mascots embody this spirit, as they are known for their diligent work ethic, yet they also possess a charming and playful side. Similarly, our approach to our work is a mix of seriousness and creativity. We take accreditation and compliance seriously, providing strategic guidance and expert solutions to our clients, ensuring they reach their goals with confidence. At the same time, we infuse our interactions with positivity and authenticity, making the process enjoyable and encouraging institutions to embrace innovation and out-of-the-box thinking.
We love working with organizations that understand their uniqueness is their superpower, and just as we value the diverse personalities and strengths of the institutions we work with, we also celebrate the individuality and authenticity within our team at EduCred Services. We strive to break down barriers and create an atmosphere where creativity and identity are not only accepted but celebrated. After all, it's often in the uncharted territories of originality that the most innovative solutions are found.
In the world of higher ed mascots, fierce, predatory animals are the norm. From pouncing lions to striking serpents, these powerful creatures have long symbolized strength and ambition; but here’s the thing: smart, hardworking, strategic-thinking animals don’t have to fight. While the other animals are brawling at the bottom of a pit, the llamas are judiciously navigating their way out. They are a fun representation of our core values and commitment to success. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we invite you to join us on this llama-filled journey—one that's fun, rewarding, and built on excellence!