Role Models

"Ahhhhh!!!!    Do I hit the brakes or steer into it?!?"   I guess we find out when it's all over if we made the right decision.   Sometimes life throws the same curves at us.   Good thing I have strong, intelligent, supportive people in my life to help think about whether I should "hit the brakes" or "steer into it".  

Working as a counselor with low income families I see a commonality.  People have a huge lack of support systems.   No family, few friends, no support.  If they have family and friends they are usually less than helpful.   This makes me feel fortunate.  I've been a low income person/family for years, but have always had the support system I needed to help me succeed.   I wish I could give this to my customers.  I try, but I've been told, "Karen, you can't save the world."    My response, "Nope, but I can try!"  

This leads to my dilemma.  In my "trying to save the world efforts", I've found my passion which is changing systems.  I want to have the ability to improve services, to make them customer focused, positive, efficient and collaborative.  Of course there is a career ladder to follow to reach that goal.   I'm on step 3.   I'm not  quite there, but I am on my way! 

I am a counselor as I said before.   But, I am also gaining lots of experience as a grant writer, strategic planner, public relations specialist and much more!   Only one year out of college and I've had great opportunities in my current position.  Here's the problem/opportunity  (however you want to look at it).

The agency I did my internship at recently lost their executive director.  They have been in contact with me and want me to apply.  Great, right?!?   Did I mention I tend to over-analyze things?   

I've had a constant debate in my head.   Do I stay where I'm at or do I try a new adventure?   Should I have more experience; is it over my head?   This is my dream is to be a director one day.  Should I "steer into it" or "hit the brakes"?   

So what do I do?    Reach out to my role models:  My mother, my sister and my aunts.  Intelligent, compassionate, empathetic and supportive women who have had an impact on my life.   They don't ever give me the answers, but they bring me strength and provide me a way to sort them out.   Without their support I would probably still be below step one on that career ladder.  I don't know if they know how much I appreciate them.   So, in tribute to them, a special thank you and cheers!  

Overall, I think I know what decision to make.  But regardless of that, there is a bigger picture.   How do I bring the same type of support, vision and strength to the people I serve that I've been able to receive?   I don't have a complete answer, but I am hoping to figure it out.   Can I save the world?  No.  But I can sure as hell try.   One person, one family, one group, one organization or one community at a time.