The Night That Changed Everything
Editor’s note: Originally written on May 12th, 2014. This post continues to evolve as I do, updated to reflect growth, gratitude, and perspective gained since then.
Welcome, hopeful hearts and bold thinkers.
Some moments stand still, not for their noise or brilliance, but for the quiet way they mark change. One such moment closed out an unforgettable school year: a celebration not just leadership, but of growth, community, and becoming.
It was a night themed by decades, filled with good food, music, laughter, and quiet celebrations we all had built together A final gathering honoring student organizations and the people who brought them to life. I hadn’t planned on attending, but I’m grateful I did. Looking back, it wasn’t just a party. It was a pause. A breath. A silent thank you for the season we had shared.
When the night ended, emotions surfaced. Reality soon settled in: change was near. Graduation for some. New roles for others. Quiet goodbyes from those moving on. I remember feeling hesitant for that shift. But maybe we’re never truly reach for the things that make us grow the most.
That year taught me what it meant to be a part of something larger than myself. It opened doors I hadn’t even known to look for. I gained confidence, found community, and uncovered pieces of who I was becoming. That experience didn’t just shape that chapter of my life, it still echoes today.
If you’re reading this and feel unsure about your next step, consider this: try. Join a group, take a class, follow a curiosity. The “what ifs” quiet down when you choose to explore. Involvement doesn’t just fill your schedule, it fills your life with unexpected lessons, meaningful connections, and growth that won’t fit neatly onto a resume.
You won’t just collect memories. You’ll discover more of yourself.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
