Here’s a little something to celebrate Administrative Professional’s Day, or what used to be known as Secretary’s Day. It’s actually a whole week to recognize the importance and value of these positions in a company or business. “Nine to Five” stands 19″ tall and is sculpted from polymer clay and textiles.

Here’s an old photograph of Mary Tyler Moore that inspired the sculpture.

I worked as a secretary for a temp agency every summer and spring break while going to school, and even afterwards. I was witness to many of the changes that happened in the office environment. When I first started working, copies were made with carbon paper, corrections were made with liquid paper, shorthand was a necessary skill, fax machines and computers were not available yet and “how many words per minute you could type” was a question on all application forms. Times have changed, and I believe, for the better.

National Professional Secretaries Week and National Secretary’s Day was created in 1952. The name of this special day has changed and evolved over the past few decades. But, the importance of recognizing these vital individuals remains. In 1952 these positions were mostly held by women, but today both men and women enjoy this career. The name was changed to Professional Secretaries Week in 1981, and then became Administrative Professionals Week in 2000 to encompass the expanding responsibilities and wide-ranging job titles of administrative support staff.

Happy Administrative Professionals Week and a little nod to my Grade 10 typing teacher Miss Dorothy Black who recently passed just shy of her 101st birthday. 92 words per minute and holding!