Over the weekend, I had the privilege of giving my farewell remarks for the year at the MIJC 2012 Year End Convention. For those of you who didn't make it, here's the text. I know I missed many people, and I can only hope that you'll forgive me for that.
Tonight is a little bittersweet for me. I stand in front of you with some time off from the Michigan Jaycees Board of Directors in m near future. And as I've been thinking about what to say to you tonight, I've thought about some things I've learned along the way.
You see, a couple of years ago, the Michigan Jaycees honored Mike-E as an Outstanding Young Michigander. Some of you may remember this, some of you probably have no idea who I'm talking about. During his keynote speech, Mike-E gave us a piece of advice that I've kept in the back of my head ever since
"Avoid dream killers at all costs."
It seems pretty straight forward. But as I think more about this statement, I also think that not only should we avoid dream killers at all costs, but we need to surround ourselves with what I think are "dream enablers".
They're the people that let you talk out your crazy ideas. They are the ones that are there when things don't quite go the way you want them to or are a catastrophic failure. They're the ones cheering you along, even when the odds are stacked against you 5 to 1.
They are the people that, no matter what, are there for you through the good and the bad. They're the ones that make sure you're doing the best thing for you and are your support system when you stick to your values and stand up for what you believe in, even if that means becoming the outcast.
Tonight, I want to say thank you to my "dream enablers":
Mary Jo, Jamie and Carrie - Thank you for dealing with my inevitable snark (and joining me in being snarky). Thank you for being part of the best management team I could have ever asked for. You guys made me look good and for that I am forever grateful.
My management VPeeps: Thank you for a great year in 2012. We have been Building Tomorrow Today throughout the year and you have worked tirelessly to leave a stronger chapter to each of your successors. Please remember that I am here to help you at any time.
Pepper Potts aka Heather Stewart: You somehow know everything I'm thinking and everything I need. Thank you for sticking by me, literally and figuratively. I can never repay you for your loyalty and friendship.
Shawn Brueshaber - Thank you for being the personal chef of the management team. And for the circus music reference. Your input has been invaluable since we met as fellow chapter membership VPs.
Jim Williams - Regardless of distance, you have been a resource to me since we met at my first convention in 2008. I appreciate your continued input and your friendship over the years and I think I can speak for everyone in the room in saying thank you for your support of the Michigan Jaycees over the last five years.
Tanya Quackenbush, Wendy Taylor, Sarah Austin, Matt Sernau, Emma Baranowski, Kristin Gartska, Karen Haberland, Kari Kidrowski, Deb Mogdis, Sue Foltin, Kim Hubbell, Jay Johnson, Adam Bonarek, Mistie and Kenneth Watson and Hollie Olson: Thank you. You have no idea what a kind word at the right time means to me.
Kris Collee - While she's not here, she's always with me as my mentor, my mentor. You see, Kris is the reason I am a Jaycee and I can never thank her enough for everything she has done for me and the support she has given me.
Gil Mayrand - Despite our differences, you have been someone that has constantly been there for me since I met you as one of your membership VPs in 2008. Knowing that you're there means a lot. Thank you for checking in on me to make sure I'm ok.
#85 - I still believe that The Sky's the Limit. Thank you for everything you've provided to me, whether it's been advice, support or your ear for ideas. I cannot wait for you to lead the USJCs on a quest to Dream Big!
#87 - I struggled with what to write here for a long time. Thank you for perking your head up when you heard me talking about the Jaycees on the Senate floor in 2007. I truly believe that moment has changed the course of my Jaycee career. Thank you for everything, including, but not limited to: an array of inside jokes, sharing your experiences, your support, your loyalty and your friendship. Oh, and no, I didn't puke inside Jetta Force One.
Carrie, Fossi, Lauren and the Lansing Jaycees: I'm coming home. And luckily for you, school is taking up most of my time this semester, except somehow I still found time to say yes to co-chairing the Easter Egg Hunt. I'm the crazy one who wanted to do this state thing, even though the chapter hasn't always been interested in doing so. Regardless of that, you have offered me more support thank I can ever repay. I have watched this chapter grow and become what I consider to be the best chapter in Michigan. I am so proud to be part of the ride and call Lansing home.
There are so many other people who I've gotten to know who have given me so much over the years. I will treasure the time we've spent and will spend together in the future. As I finish my term as Management Development Vice President, I hope that you all continue to Dream. Do. Lead. for years to come.
Thank you, Michigan Jaycees.
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