Half of our amazing national officer team |
I’m so glad I stuck with it.
Because it DID get better. So much better. When I was president, the ADSA professional board invited me to their board meetings. Boring? Hardly! I love this kind of thing. I met some great people who really believed in me and my ideas (who creates a new region of a national association? Apparently me!). These days, they are kind enough to let me participate. My role is mostly bridging the gap between students and professional members. The transitional membership (right after graduation) is a huge opportunity, and as a young professional who made this transition, I love helping students do the same and coaching them in the strategic planning and other sessions.
So many people helped me and made such a difference in my life when I was in college and I want to do the same. That is how we are going to make a difference and move our industry and associations like this forward.
My ADSA presentation (2013)...dream come true to speak at this conference as a professional member. |
There are a lot of opportunities to get involved with committees and during the annual meeting. Take advantage of these opportunities.
I want college students to know that while the first year after graduation won’t be easy, it will be worth it. The industry connections that are made at these meetings do make a difference. In fact, every job I’ve gotten since graduation has been because of people I know. Those people didn’t get me the job, my knowledge and experience did, but it started the conversation and that is so important. As I used to say, life is 49% what you know and 51% who you know.
Whether it’s ADSA, a breed organization or anything else, our industry needs more young people to get and stay involved. The best part of being involved in these types of organizations? It’s fun! And you’ll make a lot of friends that share your passion for the dairy industry.
Love my ADSA friends! Good times. |
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