What is my Legacy?

Yesterday marked the conclusion of legacy project pitches in our Team Leadership course. After 3 days, 32 pitches, and even more questions, suggestions, and concerns, I feel inspired. Although many of the legacy project pitches are admirable, not all of them piqued my interest-- and I didn't expect them to. However, the ones that did left me thinking "oh- I want to do that! Or that... or maybe that one."

As I mentioned in my first post, I tend to over-commit. With the understanding that this habit can make or break me, I knew I needed to hone in on one legacy project to which I could commit to fully. I have come to the realization that I will probably not pursue my original idea because there were so many others that I'd like to be a part of. However, does that mean that I've abandoned my initial idea?

No, I've realized that this just means this isn't going to be this year's legacy. It could very well be a project that I spend my lifetime fulfilling and as of yesterday, I've set that as a goal for myself. When Daniel presented his idea and mentioned that he worked consistently with a non-profit to not only build a network of support, but also to gain experience working in a non-profit environment, I thought, why am I not doing that? I am so incredibly passionate about animal rights and truly enjoy spending my time working for the fair treatment of animals, that I believe working more closely with that cause would bring me great joy.

Although my senior year in college, while I'm in the midst of this legacy project, the job hunt, an internship, and countless other supply chain-related projects is not the ideal time for me to begin a long-term legacy, I got almost giddy yesterday thinking about the possibility of working my way to the board of the DFW SPCA. Think of the impact I could have in a position like that!

So, although I'm looking forward to working on my legacy project through Next Gen this year, I have challenged myself to begin moving towards what I refer to as my "lifetime legacy". Right now, I want to research volunteer opportunities that work with my schedule so that I can begin to get more experience with rescue organizations on my resume. Then, after graduation when I become settled in whatever city I move to, I want to find an organization that I can see myself growing within. It could be the process of starting up a volunteer team that stems from my company or it could be the development of an existing organization in the city.

Whatever it is, I want to take on the challenge of finding myself a role within a non-profit to fulfill not only its needs but my own developmental needs. To grow as an individual, I believe I need to incorporate more service in my life. I'm not typically a service-oriented individual, but realizing my passion is the first step towards "rounding" myself out. Animals have always been my passion (take a look at my arms, if those cat scratch scars aren't love I don't know what is!), but now it's my responsibility to use that interest for an impact and to create a legacy.

Get back to me in 10 years, maybe I'll be the youngest member of the board of directors for DFW SPCA!