Last spring, I had returned from Japan where I taught English for two years. Feeling motivated and hopeful, I was eager to return to the higher education field and felt excited about the new possibilities. Immediately, I began submitting resumes and online applications and started researching job opportunities. Week after week, I remained optimistic, anticipating the phone call that would change my life forever. However, as time passed, I heard from absolutely no one. The silence was deafening; the utter lack of response was quite distressing. And slowly my spirits started to decline. I wondered if I would ever find a job.
Around June, a family friend mentioned LA
Fellows. I was hesitant about pursuing this opportunity, thinking I’d receive
a job offer soon enough. But deep down, I was simply afraid. LA
Fellows would be a step out of my comfort zone, teaching me to take a more
proactive approach to my job search.
I decided to attend the final mandatory
orientation, albeit still with much reluctance. But throughout the
orientation, I knew there was something different and unique about LA
Fellows. By the end of the morning, I knew this would be the experience of
a lifetime.
LA Fellows was indeed, a life changing
experience.
I gained a new level of confidence in my skills and
as I rediscovered this confidence, I also gained more clarity into my
professional interests and values. And
while this newfound confidence and clarity through LA Fellows was a huge
personal win, I am most grateful for the camaraderie among my colleagues
in cohort 8. LA Fellows is so unique because it connects people from different
educational, professional and life experiences. I learned a great deal
from my cohort, and their support was absolutely incredible.
Also, I was helped personally and professionally
through the LA Fellows’ volunteer experience. My hours were completed at
the ALS Association, which focuses on the fight to defeat Lou Gehrig’s
disease. It was an incredible experience as we hosted a number of “Walks
to Defeat ALS” to raise awareness and funds in the fight to defeat this
debilitating disease. I had the privilege of collaborating with the Walk
Directors; we focused on outreach to donors, coordinated with volunteers,
oversaw the logistical planning. Volunteering was such a fulfilling experience
as you build relationships with people in the organization and make a
contribution in a meaningful way.
I would not be where I am today without LA
Fellows. It truly has been a precious gift, one that keeps on giving.
 |
| Kristi with Danny Syto and Jennifer Garcia, graduates of Cohort 8 |
No comments:
Post a Comment