June
28
Tags
Cali2Philly
An 8-day journey or 11 years?
Disclaimer: I have been putting off writing my first and second (maybe even third) entry because I don’t know how to start, what to say, or how to say it. So, bear with me as I stumble through it.
My husband and I decided the best way to say good-bye for 6 months, with a few weekend visits mixed in, would be a road trip from California to Philadelphia over the course of 8 days. We had a great time and the drive was beautiful.
We had a lot of time to reflect on the purpose and my decision to leave our life together and these 8-days made me realize that it has been an 11-year journey. When I was hired by GSK 11 years ago, they started a program called PULSE, a volunteer skills-based initiative with the goal to change communities, change employees, and change GSK. I was immediately drawn to the opportunities this program would provide; the development would be full circle. I knew once I hit the 3-year mark of being employed by GSK, I would be applying.
Well, 3 years hit, I had been married 3 months and moved across the state to begin a new life. Needless to say, no one was on board with me leaving for 6 months. Seven more years go by with multiple opportunities to hone my leadership, professional development and training skill sets, and I finally feel the stars were aligned and it was time for me to apply for this life changing experience. I applied and made it to the third stage of the process, matching my skills sets to a specific non-profit internationally. I still remember the day I got the email of rejection. I was devastated. I didn’t understand how I wasn’t a “perfect match”. Once I came to terms with the decision and told everyone that supported me through the process that I wasn’t leaving, I wasn’t giving up. I would be applying again in 9 months.
December came around, I applied and received a congratulations email 4 months later. When I read the assignment, I finally understood what was meant by, “the perfect match”. Fast forward to June, I am working with The Food Trust in Philadelphia. I will be assessing and providing professional development needs for the entire organization and Get HYPE Philly!, a youth run program for middle school and high school students where they are empowered to better their school and community for a healthier life.
Please visit http://www.thefoodtrust.org read more about the amazing things that The Food Trust and Get HYPE Philly! are doing for the Philadelphia communities.
Stay tuned for more about what I will accomplish and learn over the next 6 months!
Cheers, Amber
So excited to follow you through your journey!! Best of luck and have fun!
Thank you for sharing your story, Amber. It is inspiring to hear about how you didn’t give up when things didn’t go exactly as a planned. Enjoy your work in Philly!
Thanks @cali2philly Amber for sharing your story openly! Not many people have the courage to accept their fails & move on & try again – but you did …& turns out it led to a beautiful outcome!! So happy to hear that you feel this is your “perfect match!” Cant wait to see your journey unfold 😉 Best wishes, Manu.