Career Services student Michelle recently sent this amazing letter to the staff that helped her get on the path to a bright and promising future. It is such a sweet letter that we just couldn’t keep it to ourselves, so we are sharing it with the world. Thank YOU, Michelle, for giving us your all.

Dear Open Meadow Staff,

I started writing this as a journal halfway through the class. Originally, it was just going to be for my own reflection. Then I thought maybe I should share it with everyone as a means to show my appreciation. I will try not make it too long.

When you were a child, what did you want to when you grew up? A scientist? Professional athlete? Doctor or lawyer? When I was young I really didn’t have big aspirations. I would simply say I wanted to be a mom. Even as a teenager, I didn’t have any dreams or goals. As I started my college career I didn’t have any set goals, and I didn’t have the drive to make any. I never had meaningful employment because I never cared. I wanted a paycheck and nothing more. There were, and still are a few memorable people at PCC who made a huge impact on me. One of them is John Mathews, my former GED resource specialist. I graduated three years ago, and he is still helping me better myself. Thank goodness for that because he is directly responsible for me applying to Career Connections. He threatened to “disown” me if I didn’t stop procrastinating with my life!

Let’s skip ahead a little. I made it through the orientation, and two interviews, and I was accepted into Open Meadow Career Connections. As the start of the program drew nearer, I got more and more nervous. The Sunday before training started I freaked out. I was terrified at such a new situation, and new people. More than anything, I was scared of failing, and of disappointing others around me.  My best friend figuratively slapped me around until I promised her I would show up for the first day of training.

So I went. And I kept going, trying not to let anxiety get the best of me. Almost immediately, the staff of Sarah, Larissa, and Lee Ann helped put me at ease. I found myself wondering why they were so freaking nice all the time. My classmates were also amazing, Not at all scary and intimidating like I anticipated. So the learning continued,  Whether we were on a field trip somewhere, or in class learning about proper professional emailing with Sarah, or in the diversity workshop with Larissa, or going through the oh so very painful process of resumes and cover letters with Lee Ann. I HAD SO MUCH FUN!!!!

At the start of the program I thought I would be able to fake my way into a fantastic job. After speed interviewing and before the networking fair a light bulb was flipped on, in a major life changing way. I suddenly realized I CAN do this. I can talk to CEO’s and business professionals without completely freaking out. I can make a good impression. I started having all these I can, I can, I can thoughts, whereas before, it was I can’t, I can’,t I can’t. Open Meadow has surpassed my expectations completely. Everyone from Lanie at the front desk, to Newell and Travis to Sarah, Lee Ann, and Larissa has supported, encouraged, gave thoughtful feedback and were just there for me. To be honest, I’m not used to such unfailing support. I figured my peeps at PCC were somewhat of an anomaly. I didn’t think that ongoing support systems were likely in adulthood. Maybe I was just a little cynical, but I really didn’t think people cared that much. Oh how very wrong I was!!!

I am sad that training has ended. I will miss coming to school and seeing all my classmates and advisors everyday. I will miss the awkward silence that comes after Sarah asks who wants to go first when talking about how we feel. But more than anything I am excited. Excited to continue working with Open Meadow for the next three years, excited to make all my new-found goals happen, excited for my classmates and their goals, and most of all I’m excited for my new attitude, and the realization that I really am not alone in this anymore.

So thank you Open Meadow. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me realize my potential, and for giving me the tools I needed to believe in myself. I never really did before, and let me tell you, it feels so amazing and exhilarating to finally believe I can do something with myself. Thank you especially to Sarah, Lee Ann, and Larissa. You all have set such great examples for us, never got annoyed at all our questions, and were always ready to help with super lame formatting stuff!!!!

Again thank you everyone. You all have made a huge, huge impact on me and my life. I look forward to our next steps!!!!

Michelle

P.S. Dion is so inspiring. Like really.