Not for nothing…but it’s been a long three weeks. In the ever evolving world of trying to do too much in too little time I almost hit a high note. Between juggling two of my classes and impending tests for grad school, I grabbed life by the horns and attend my very first ever board meeting for Cuidando los Niños. (Please insert round of applause now)
In the world of being a registered nurse, I have been asked and consequently have started the interview and process of becoming a board member for a non-profit organization. I mean while going to school full time for my masters in Family Practice, and trying to start up my own nursing idea…I decided to stretch myself even more thinly.
Maybe now I should explain why and how for those who like to push themselves too. In our lives we work hard, we make money, build our family and at times we give back to our communities. You see I believe strongly in the principle that it takes a village to raise a child. And I think it is up to you to decide what roles you take in your own community.
For years I have researched and donated what money I could afford to various organizations. Time is something I “never have”. But you see the past year has been one of change. I made a whole new career change, moved back to my home town after a 12 year hiatus, and started grad school. If that wasn’t enough, I realized deep inside myself that I expected more. That expectation involved more of myself and living up to my full potential. And when you put your thought and energy into motion the world starts to open doors.
So let’s rewind six months…
A new friend in the Land of Enchantment invited me to attend a brunch for a non-profit organization. That morning was one I will always remember. I was introduced to an organization that transforms lives of families. It was specifically designed to fight childhood homelessness. The key is helping not only the families with job placement, education, and homes to grow. The key is that families are helped to rebuild themselves, but they are not given a handout. In my mind I equate it to that old saying “you can give a man and fish and feed him for one meal, or teach him to fish and feed him for a lifetime”.
This organization builds people. And even better, helps children grow. When children are homeless they miss those developmental milestones that are essential to their growth. This program is dedicated to helping them achieve those, while also helping their parents grow. Imagine, taking the time, energy and resources to build one family at a time. To take one child who has the cards dealt against them, and giving them a chance for empowerment and growth to their full potential. It is truly inspiring. That morning, after learning about the organization, I felt as though somewhere in the world there was an organization was aligned with my own personal beliefs.
So in the words of Paulo Coelho “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it”. My friend, who introduced me to the organization, took me to the next step and asked me if I would be interested in being a board member. It was like a mentor taking you under their wings and inspiring you to work harder. She set me on a path of giving more and working harder for the next step.
What followed next can only be described as work, uncertainty, and if you can imagine, working harder. I converted my Military Curriculum Vitae into a Civilian Curriculum Vitae, wrote letters of intent, attended lunch meetings and interviews and then it happened. While preparing for a huge test (I am still a full time student and a nurse) I put on my “serious” shoes, grabbed a folder some paper and a pen and headed to my first board meeting.
The meeting is one of three that I will attend, and participate in before hopefully being voted into this great organization. The meeting was nothing short of informative. I felt as though I was learning about life on a whole new level. I left with a whole new laundry list of “to-do” items that I wanted to accomplish. I drove home, did my little woo hoo dance and cuddled up on my bed with my Dalmatian Roxy and…studied. That’s right studied, because at the end of the day I have to be able to achieve in all areas I choose to accomplish.
So, today is Monday and I have now completed two exams, typed up some notes for my team meeting tomorrow and done some research for Cuidando los Niños. The has been long, and I have another long week ahead of me as I dive into more meetings, more studying and prep for women’s health clinical and of course some good ole Emergency Room work. (Oh and I promised my friend I would go running, we have a marathon in 20 days).
Work hard, expect more, find a strong mentor and be more than just anything….
