Dreams Really Do Come True for Other People Besides Cinderella. . .

There have been few times in my life where I have been moved by something so spectacular that I actually shed real tears.  And although I have worked for JA for some time, and believe whole-heartedly in the cause, I am not sure I have ever cried at an event (more than once or twice :). I was moved SO much at the Career Exploration Preview last week, I cried.  I really cried, real tears.

The big picture of this event began with a dream.  (I want you all to know that Twilight began with a dream as well, but that’s another blog for another day)  Dick Prows, a member of the JA Board, Discovery Gateway Board, and Utah Business Hall of Fame Laureate, had a dream.  His dream was that every child had the same experience in their career that he did, doing something they loved and were passionate about.  Dick is an Architect, a Developer, and a true JA entrepreneur.  In the 1980’s he had a heart attack, and when he survived he decide to devote the remainder of his life making sure children had the same experience he did.  That moved me to tears.  Please read more about him by clicking here.

Dick's dream and vision has come true in JA City.  JA City is located on fourth floor of the Discovery Gateway.  It is such an incredible venue that it was mentioned on multiple occasions should be opened to the public.  For over two years, preparations have been made to create a place for kids visiting D.G. (Discovery Gateway) between ages eight to fifteen.  They may go upstairs (to the fourth floor) and learn about different careers through hands-on games, touch screens, videos, etc.    

On January 11, 2012, we had a preview to highlight the Center.  We had students showing business men and women, parents, educators, etc. exactly what they would be doing and learning about.  I was so nervous to host an adult for some reason, because apparently I want to look like I know what I am doing with a touch screen (I can't figure out my phone half the time).  When I expressed my nervousness to the students they simply said, “Don’t worry, we will do all the work.” And they did.  Students led the tour of the Center to hundreds of adults, showing them how they will learn and grow from this new exploration center.  If that isn’t moving, I don’t know what is. 

I wanted to include some bullet points and quotes to share about the evening.

·         Taylor Marshall, a student who was the Mayor of the city in his 5^th grade class was asked if he wanted to pursue politics.  His response was, “I want to be a lobbyist.”

·         “I wish I had something like this when I was younger.”

·         “I didn’t realize this was even here, this is amazing.”

·         “I feel famous here, this place is awesome!”

·         The donations that came immediately after seeing the venue were very touching.  People want this to happen and want to see more.

·         Ron Jibson, current president of Questar, asked Shaylee Olsen who was the president of Questar at JA City if she would come work with him for a day. 

The reason people work for, volunteer for, and donate for a non-profit is simple; they want to change lives.  I truly feel that JA changes lives every day.  Sometimes it is very apparent and we hear a chilling story.  Other days we see twenty or so students leading the top business men and women around a large room, showing them how their lives will change.  That is a very good dream that I am proud to be a part of. 

Click here to view pictures from our Career Exploration preview.    

The Not-So-2012-January Blues

It’s that time of year again. . .JANUARY.   There is something I usually dread about January.  It stems from freezing cold weather, and being a native Utahan, who has never skied before, the snow isn’t fun after the New Year.  The job hunt in Arizona begins to top my priority list.  This year, however, it is hard to get into my usual “January blues.”  Right now, for example, it is 44 degrees outside.  I actually wore capri pants yesterday. 

I prepare myself each year for my January blues by focusing in depth on New Year’s resolutions and how to better myself.  This list gets overwhelming.  I am sure I am just like the normal person after the holidays, where there are five pounds of brownies stuck to my mid-section and my pants won’t button up quite the same.  I spent the holidays going to bed late, sleeping in, and my schedule is just completely off. 

Ironically, I also thrive for January, knowing that life can settle down just a bit, and my New Year’s resolutions will ground me just a little more.  My resolutions this year all revolve around one thing, living within my means.  I am what I like to call a “chronic spender.”  Luckily, I don’t spend too much on expensive things, but where I get in trouble is the low priced, small items.  I am a sucker for a deal, but buy waaaaaaaay too many deals.  I am ready to give up my spending.  I am ready to get paid on payday and not back-pay myself, but prepay myself.  This is my year to finally financially discipline myself. 

I thought this went perfectly for the January blog for Junior Achievement because I am sure many of you are ready to tighten your belts a little bit just like me.  (Or loosen the belt from my brownies) I think we can take the JA teachings and apply it to ourselves in 2012. 

Happy 2012 everyone!  I wish you the best of luck on your resolutions.  Remember, this is your year!