Hey prospective DC! I cant even begin to tell you how excited I am for you to be in this position. About two years ago, I was in the exact same spot many of you are in. I was terrified. Idealistic. Obsessive. Nervous. Horribly, crushingly excited. Ready. (And also dramatic.) I guess the odd thing is that two years later, I am very much in the same spot as I was then. I graduate on Saturday and yet I feel just as lost and hopeful as I did two years ago while writing and submitting my DC application. I thought I had most of my life figured out and it turns out I really had no idea what was up ahead... (I still dont.) Im feeling nostalgic and (almost) ready to let go of my four-year journey, so I figured as your outgoing DG, Id leave you with a few words of wisdom... 1. This application is not life or death. I know it may seem as though a lot is riding on the result of this application, but I promise you it will be as extraordinary or as insignificant as you let it be. I have met dozens and dozens of people who have used this experience to become better, more well-rounded individuals. I have also known people who have taken this experience and let it rule their lives--positively and negatively. You cant control the circumstances, but you can control your actions. An acceptance or a rejection cannot define you unless you let it. You are so much more than what someone claims for you to be. 2. Its completely normal to be uncertain of whats up ahead. This entire process is extremely subjective and your vision for the district may not line up with the DG and LTGs, initially. You may believe you are meant for position x or position y only to discover they see you for position 5 or are creating an entirely new position for you. 3. Have fun with it! This application, Ive discovered, is the perfect opportunity to really reflect. Your Interact journeys, your high school careers--you really get a chance to figure out if the path youve been on thus far is one you want to keep walking on. Maybe it is. Maybe it isnt... get off it, then! If this is your first time applying for a position, this is the perfect time to prepare for your first professional experience with interviews, resumes, business casual wear... its even a good time to check out college app materials if higher education is your intended path! If youre a long veteran of Interact, nows a time to really figure out if DC is for you. Being on District Council is rewarding and fantastic and absolutely magical, but it isnt for everyone. It is a major commitment and takes a toll on you whether you expect it to or not. Being in Interact has really helped me hone in on what I want to do with my life, and expressing my hopes, dreams, passions, and failures on this Word doc clarified my purpose and vulnerabilities. Maybe it will for you, too. Above all, BE YOURSELF. I cannot stress this enough. Your future District Governor once came up to me in the middle of FLC and told me to, Be true, be you. These words are simple and untangled, but they are what you will let them be. Once you reconcile your ideal self with your real self, youll discover theres only been one you this entire time: the genuine, truest version of you there is out there. Thats the best version. And keep learning--it doesnt end here. Believe in yourself, because I believe in you. Sending all my love and positive waves of energy, Jamie
Posted on: Fri, 23 May 2014 06:54:41 +0000
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