When I was finishing high school, I wrote a list of everything I did not want to do, but I didn’t know what I did want to do. I was lost. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, and in those days, women were starting to be seen as something other than full-time teachers, nurses, or secretaries. I decided I did not want to be typecast, so those job options were off the table.
When I look back on my career path, I notice a theme throughout, that I was following what I love. I love to have a cause, I love looking for issues that need solving, and I like being able to put my creativity to good use. I love learning, teaching, and leading people to a place of possibilities.
While some jobs I have had were difficult, and I doubted my ability to make a difference. I look back, and I know that I did. I am sure it is because it was apparent to those who cared that I loved my work. And I am not alone in feeling this. The community’s happiest and most significant contributors are doing what they love.