It’s time to start something new, not just a new year but a new season. I put both my education and career on hold for a couple decades to raise a whole bunch of children. However, I didn’t put my abilities or growth on hold.
Instead I found many outlets to develop new talents and skills. For instance, I periodically taught in various venues. This helped me learn presentation programs and methods, as well as stay in tune with audiences' desires and learning styles. The styles have changed so much with the tremendous avalanche of information now available. Friends and employers constantly needed a temporary worker. I cheerfully filled in and learned the uniqueness of whichever industry I found myself helping. If a board, club, or organization crossed my path, I probably joined it. Then after joining, I usually found myself in a leadership position. I discovered the importance of teamwork, collaboration, accountability, and personal responsibility in these roles. I only was able to make as much of a difference as I was willing to take ownership in the group. Nonchalant-ness often translates into ineffectiveness. As has often been stated, "The world is run by people who show up."
I maintain an extremely high level of energy. Every time I speak and receive evaluations, the most noted comments are about my energy and humor. However, I truly enjoy leading people. Evidently people enjoy following me. I’m not something so extraordinary that would make me worthy of that trust. Perhaps people simply prefer to be around someone who will love parts of them and encourage them to be their own personal best. I do that. When my energy combines with this insatiable love of people, great things happen.
My most defining example of this integration occurred while I served as the Director of a local non-profit. For a year and a half I was privileged to provide direction, secure funding, write grants, recruit and train volunteers, account for finances, answer to two boards, and advocate publicly on behalf of this cause. During my tenure, our services became bi-lingual, our accounting became computerized, our bills became pre-paid a month in advance, and our volunteer base nearly tripled. I could visibly see the difference my contributions made to our community. This excited me to pursue more.
My position at Skyland Grain, LLC entailed a breadth of duties. Foremost, I took care of our Senior Staff members. They lead our company. I empowered them by both taking care of details for them and vocally supporting their leadership to other employees. In addition, I created momentum within the company through the publication of our employee newsletter. This behind-the-scenes action drove the attitudes of many employees, who may be distanced from the direct sphere of influence of the corporate leadership. Maintaining connection between our many branches was a daunting task. Every day also found me contributing to our preciseness in the Accounts Receivable department. For a creative type, I found this oddly enjoyable – seeking accuracy in details. Supervising interns and part-time help, planning corporate and board events, or helping orient new employees were also frequently on my to-do lists. By far, the best part came through the Skyland Wellness Activities Team. We created the newly required wellness program, initiated monthly activities, and inspired a company-wide focus on health and wholeness. The response was unanimous!
Currently, I am seeking a Master’s of Business Administration, just like I was signed up to pursue twenty years ago. My education was put into waiting years ago along a detour path of no regrets. Now it’s time to awaken. I'm eager to see how to merge the concentrations of Communications and International Business. The added distinction of an International Graduate Fellowship propels my intensity. I can certainly say that I am excited to continue to excel. Excel in my academics, excel in my life contributions, I intend to excel in whatever lies before me.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Instead I found many outlets to develop new talents and skills. For instance, I periodically taught in various venues. This helped me learn presentation programs and methods, as well as stay in tune with audiences' desires and learning styles. The styles have changed so much with the tremendous avalanche of information now available. Friends and employers constantly needed a temporary worker. I cheerfully filled in and learned the uniqueness of whichever industry I found myself helping. If a board, club, or organization crossed my path, I probably joined it. Then after joining, I usually found myself in a leadership position. I discovered the importance of teamwork, collaboration, accountability, and personal responsibility in these roles. I only was able to make as much of a difference as I was willing to take ownership in the group. Nonchalant-ness often translates into ineffectiveness. As has often been stated, "The world is run by people who show up."
I maintain an extremely high level of energy. Every time I speak and receive evaluations, the most noted comments are about my energy and humor. However, I truly enjoy leading people. Evidently people enjoy following me. I’m not something so extraordinary that would make me worthy of that trust. Perhaps people simply prefer to be around someone who will love parts of them and encourage them to be their own personal best. I do that. When my energy combines with this insatiable love of people, great things happen.
My most defining example of this integration occurred while I served as the Director of a local non-profit. For a year and a half I was privileged to provide direction, secure funding, write grants, recruit and train volunteers, account for finances, answer to two boards, and advocate publicly on behalf of this cause. During my tenure, our services became bi-lingual, our accounting became computerized, our bills became pre-paid a month in advance, and our volunteer base nearly tripled. I could visibly see the difference my contributions made to our community. This excited me to pursue more.
My position at Skyland Grain, LLC entailed a breadth of duties. Foremost, I took care of our Senior Staff members. They lead our company. I empowered them by both taking care of details for them and vocally supporting their leadership to other employees. In addition, I created momentum within the company through the publication of our employee newsletter. This behind-the-scenes action drove the attitudes of many employees, who may be distanced from the direct sphere of influence of the corporate leadership. Maintaining connection between our many branches was a daunting task. Every day also found me contributing to our preciseness in the Accounts Receivable department. For a creative type, I found this oddly enjoyable – seeking accuracy in details. Supervising interns and part-time help, planning corporate and board events, or helping orient new employees were also frequently on my to-do lists. By far, the best part came through the Skyland Wellness Activities Team. We created the newly required wellness program, initiated monthly activities, and inspired a company-wide focus on health and wholeness. The response was unanimous!
Currently, I am seeking a Master’s of Business Administration, just like I was signed up to pursue twenty years ago. My education was put into waiting years ago along a detour path of no regrets. Now it’s time to awaken. I'm eager to see how to merge the concentrations of Communications and International Business. The added distinction of an International Graduate Fellowship propels my intensity. I can certainly say that I am excited to continue to excel. Excel in my academics, excel in my life contributions, I intend to excel in whatever lies before me.
Soli Deo Gloria.
