My colleague, in her forties, fell unconscious on her way to
work, went into a coma, and passed away several days later.
Sorting through her desk, deciding what to keep, to throw away,
and to return to her family, I was struck by how suddenly it had
all ended. It really made me think that we shouldn’t tell
ourselves we can’t do things; we shouldn’t postpone
them. We might miss out.
Before that day, a few people had been encouraging me to run in
the JAT election. I’d thought I might in a few years, but
not in 2009, because I was already way too busy with work,
family, and karate.
My mind changed. I submitted a candidacy statement. I was
elected. The Board voted me in as President.
The last four years on the Board have been an experience that I
would not have wanted to miss. Yes, there were tough times, but
they taught me so much. The rewards have been countless.
I’ve worked with amazing people on the Board and in our
many committees. Their enthusiasm and volunteer spirit never
ceases to inspire me. I feel a sense of achievement when I see
the membership numbers grow – 584 today!!! – and new
initiatives springing up here and there – JATLAW,
JATPHARMA, JOTW, JATTIP, JATINTERP. I’ve learned so much
– about interacting with people, about organizing events,
about websites and Wufoo forms. And I’m always touched by
occasional words of appreciation from JAT members.
Charlie, Fred, Emily, and I have all served four years, and I
hear that some are worried about us leaving. Rest assured,
we’ll still be around and happy to support the new Board
if we can be helpful! I’m just itching to raise my hand
to volunteer for a JAT committee.
We have open positions for five Directors and one Auditor in
this election. Please consider running. Feel free to contact me
if you have questions ([email protected]).
Let me leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Richard
Bach: Argue for your limitations and, sure enough,
they’re yours.
Thank you, Ann, for changing my mind.