Whether you have followed this blog since the beginning or joined somewhere along the journey, you may find its title - "Spoonspirations" - a little odd. Yes, I love to bake and wooden spoons are my 'sought-after' item when I travel. But, it is the original wooden spoon find that started it all back in 2009.
In 2009, I took my first big solo international adventure to Prague leading in to the International Leadership Association Conference. A pre-conference "world cafe" event had be navigating public transportation to a community school on the outskirts of the city to participate in conversations about global issues and what we could collectively do to make a positive impact. When my tram stop came, I stepped off to look for the anticipated school representative to help navigate from the stop to the school. To my surprise, there was no one waiting; after a few minutes of contemplating options and the event start time approaching, I set off to find the school. I found a delightful man walking out of his home and greeted him to ask for directions. And quickly discovered he spoke no English (which match my language skills to him). Lesson learned: a smile and some gestures go a long way across cultural barriers. He pointed in me in a direction, which ended up being the way toward the school. I made it to the school (a little late) and engaged in conversations on issues and solutions connected to the need for leadership and action. Those conversations were a pivotal point in my career trajectory; though leadership education was a passion, "global" as part of leadership education was affirmed.
At that conference, I also had breakfast with Dr. Carter - a faculty member at the University of Florida. As a nearly done Masters student, I laid out my thoughts to her on future directions - Ph.D programs I was considering and potential jobs. I am forever grateful for her lending an ear that morning and offering advice for my continued thinking on the matter.
Clearly a memorable conference...of which in searching for a souvenir to bring home in my minimalist packing, I found a wooden spoon! A perfect thing to bring home as a pragmatic individual who loves to cook and bake. It became a reminder every time I baked of the connections I made on that adventure. And then as I traveled more, it became a symbolic item that represents the connections I make as I travel (and here at home for those close-knit friends who bring me back spoons from their travels and gather at my table to share).
About 6-8 months after that Prague conference, I received a message from Dr. Carter about a new position at UF to coordinate the CALS Leadership Institute and Teaching Resource Center programs in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. A month or so later...I was moving to Gainesville, FL knowing just a few folks at the university through connections in professional associations. I figured I would work a couple of years, then figure out what doctoral program I wanted to do and see where life would go from there. (I actually just laughed a little as I typed that.)
Fast forward a little over 8 years...still here in Gainesville at UF (with the addition of a UF degree along the way). I love my job...the students and faculty I get to teach and serve, the CALS family I get to work with...I love the Gainesville community and especially my Westside family. So, when the questions started coming (as they naturally do after you complete a PhD) about "What's next?"...I kept saying I don't know. I knew the Lord had me in a season of waiting and rest, but was not sure what the next steps would be. I dreaded the thought of leaving UF, especially considering my work with our CALS LI program reflected so many of my passions in one gig. But, I knew I had to consider what that next step would be in order to recognize and act upon the opportunity when the time came. The next question was typically, "What is your ideal job?" My answer was usually along the lines of: "If I could keep the CALS Leadership Institute and add additional teaching responsibilities in AEC, I would be thrilled." And that's what I've been praying for since before I finished my Ph.D.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21
Y'all...I am just beside myself! A couple of months ago, that dream job description was posted...at UF! Never did I imagine that those prayers would be answered in a way that would enable me to stay. I am thrilled to share that my next career chapter will be right here at UF. As of January 2, 2019, I will be a new faculty member in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication with a 100% Teaching appointment as Lecturer of Global Agricultural Leadership. This position entails continued coordination of the CALS Leadership Institute and the teaching connected with the program, as well as coordination and teaching effort for the Global Leadership and Change Certificate (and a few other duties). To top it all off, I had the opportunity to give a seminar during the interview process...where I shared my spoon story!
I am beyond excited to stay at UF and for the opportunity to join the CALS AEC family as a faculty member! Here's to new opportunities and challenges for growth in the new year! To all those who have prayed with me for this opportunity - thank you! Continued prayers always welcomed as this new adventure begins! #Grateful #Thankful #Blessed
