Reflecting on a WONDERFUL experience

"We want a society in which a sense of community is still alive...in which every individual is needed and every person has the opportunity to serve."
- John Gardner

And I have certainly had the opportunity to serve, especially here at the Corporation for National and Community Service.

For some folks, a narrative of my experience wouldn't be enough to really show you the impact of this fellowship experience on my life, my career trajectory, or my self esteem. It is not enough to say that the John Gardner Public Service Fellowship was my golden ticket, words are not enough to share my thanks for the colleagues, mentors, and friends who share in this experience with me and who have pushed me along the way. After all, I did not do this alone.

So, here is a recap in data format...numbers for you folks who like to quantify:

• Over 5 million Americans engaged in service nationwide, and over 50,000 national service members nationwide
• Over 10,000 MLK Day service projects logged and sorted
• Over 3,000 entries of stories of service logged and labeled (from people like you)
• Hundreds of emails written and received, and hundreds of pictures taken
• Over 50 briefing documents, runs-of-show, and talking points for various events (most of which were at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service)
• 10-15 Memos, thank you letters and correspondence to internal/external constituents drafted
• 5 press releases drafted
• 4 Days of Service/ Direct Service Opportunities: Make a Difference Day KaBOOM! Build, Veteran's Day, MLK Day, KaBOOM! Build in New Orleans
• 3 Board Retreats
• 2 Blog Posts (White House and Serve.gov)
• 2 Temporary blackberries (did I really want a permanent one? I think not :))
• 1 Strategic Plan
• 1 Social Innovation Fund Competition

I am certain that the hours I put in are in the thousands, and I know that most every hour was spent focusing on something bigger than me. I was focused on a mission, a brand, an idea that I one day hope everyone can experience and fully believe.

It doesn't have to be this agency, or even this administration that you support (although I strongly suggest you do because there are people working tirelessly for you), but please support and believe in the power of service.

Only you and other citizens can solve our nation's and community's problems. There is no problem that we cannot solve without innovation, the support of our government and other organizations (for profit and non profit). We have to be willing to fight for our cause, and go beyond what we think is "normal" to get there. Engage in public-private partnership, garner the support of everyone around you, use your networks- every talent is useful.

Be engaged in the political process, be vigilant of the policies your representative is fighting for, and for goodness sake, say something when you disagree. I believe that it is not just our right, but our obligation to speak when we have an opinion (speak with educated basis, and with sound evidence).

Your support and dedication to my success has been the extra push that has allowed me to move forward, speak strongly about my beliefs, and I thank you so much for it. Now, as I look toward the opportunities ahead of me, I am confident that I will be able to follow a course that will continue to serve others. I expect you all to hold me accountable, keep encouraging me to go the distance, and help me to relax and have fun.

Onward and upward, the next adventure awaits! Stay tuned...