How did it all begin?

Well, when I was around 10 years old, a cousin of my mom came to our little church in Kintyre, ND and gave a talk about her experiences as a missionary overseas. I was so captivated by her experiences and discussion about doing good for others. I really think at that moment I decided that I wanted to do something in the helping profession.

I also learned at a young age the importance of listening to others. My dad was the township assessor and that job required him to go to the home of others in the township. I would frequently go with and of course the visit included lunch and coffee and a lot of discussion about life. I remember my dad asking great questions about our host's life and experiences and my dad was just genuinely good at that art of listening and validating.

I decided in my early high school years to go to school for social work. I never changed my mind and at 18 years left to attend Moorhead State University. I graduated in 4 years and then started my career. Of course, I was going to change the world for the good.

Would I choose this career again? Absolutely. It has given my so many great experiences and allowed me to make some difference if only my listening to others.

Will I miss it? Probably, but there are a lot of ways to help and listen and I think that maybe my capacity to listen inbox if getting full and needs to be emptied.

24 Wednesdays left to help and listen.