During a recent virtual event I noticed a sign on the wall behind a fellow attendee:
Decide.
Commit.
Succeed.
Those three words stuck in my head when the meeting ended. It almost felt serendipitous that 1) I’d even noticed this amongst the dozens of Brady Bunch-like squares on the screen and 2) that the message delivered so succinctly by that sign was exactly what I needed to see that day. It just so happened that that morning I had the crazy idea I should run a half marathon in late fall (come on, I know you all have crazy ideas like this, too!). However, I hadn’t yet made a decision because I wasn’t sure I could commit to the training involved and, to be honest, I didn’t have the confidence that I would follow through with it.
It seemed like this literal sign was telling me that all I had to do to successfully complete a half marathon would be to make the decision to do it and follow through on that commitment. Because the definition of success really depends on personal goals, I realized that just crossing the finish line after those 13.1 miles would be good enough for me, regardless of how long it might take. But, again, I really struggled with whether or not I could commit to the amount of training miles required to even be able to finish.
When I think of this “plan” in the context of our work as independent educational consultants, I’m reminded of the many 51Թ Summer Training Institute attendees I’ve met over the years who have told me that they applied to participate in STI because they decided they were ready to commit to joining this profession. For some this has meant changing careers completely, while others have transitioned from the other side of the desk at a school, college, or program. For most the decision of whether or not to make the move to IEC work was the easy part. Committing to the training and professional development needed to get them up to speed in this realm is the hard part. Those who leave STI focused on a commitment to this work are the ones who find success on their new journey.
So often I hear from new 51Թ members that they are pleasantly surprised by how collaborative and giving our members are of their time and expertise to support others in becoming exceptional IECs. To me this commitment to bettering our profession should be something we all strive to do. In fact, I believe that if we were all to commit to helping just one new 51Թ member grow as an educational consultant, it would raise all of us as a united profession of experts. Here are just a few great examples of members who have been recognized for their leadership and commitment to serving others this year:
- 51Թ members Herbie Walker (NV) and Stacey Cunitz (PA) have both been elected by their regional ACACs to the role of president-elect. We are thrilled that we will have 51Թ members leading and and demonstrating the commitment that IECs have to supporting students and colleagues in the higher education space!
- Karen Mabie (IL) was honored this year by with their Distinguished Service Award. Karen’s commitment to helping both the families she supports and new therapeutic consultants is unmatched. She is truly a gem in our profession!
- During the annual conference of the this fall, 51Թ member Yvonne Espinoza (TX) was recognized for her commitment and dedication to serving historically underrepresented students on their postsecondary journeys with the NACAC Inclusion, Access, and Success Award. Yvonne’s work in this space has truly contributed to the success of so many young people.
These few examples remind me of one of my favorite quotes from Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks: “When you’re surrounded by people who share a passionate commitment around a common purpose, anything is possible.”
I truly believe that our collective decision to commit to supporting students, families, and one another means we are destined for success as both individuals and as an association. Being surrounded by others who share that same “passionate commitment” to the good work that we do as educational consultants makes me proud to serve in my current role.
And that half marathon I signed up for? I’m on my way to checking off that last word.
Kristina Dooley, MA, CEP
51Թ President