Mid-December: a random couple talks me to at a Caribou coffee in Red Wing, MN. They think I'm someone else. Then invite me to attend a meeting about the co-op they are trying to open. (PS: it's now open... check out http://www.riverbendmarket.com/ for more information about this beautiful project).
I go to said meeting, and meet Collie Graddick who works for the MN Dept. of Agriculture. He tells me I should e-mail Sara Chute from the MN Dept. of Health. I do. She becomes a wonderful contact who gets me involved in the Metro Area Refugee Health Task Force, coaches me on grant writing, and sends me community refugee updates. She likes chips and salsa as much as I do.
July: After a wonderful spring/summer of volunteering with WISE I find out that I did not get an AmeriCorps position with them. Same day - Collie e-mails me about a position at the Karen Organization of Minnesota (KOM). I'm much to depressed to apply. Sara keeps sending out e-mails about KOM's August 5th Open House (she's the Board Chair). I think, "Maybe I should apply, too bad I have to work during the Open House."
This is where it gets crazy, folks.
August 3rd: I apply for the position.
August 4th: The schedule at work changes - I can go!
August 5th: Schedule at work changes again, I can't go. Being obviously upset - a gracious co-worker takes my shift. I rush to the KOM Open House. I get shuffled to a random table. After the program a man comes to the table and introduces himself as KOM's Executive Director. To my surprise he reacts to my introduction by saying,
"Jeanna Bauer?! I called you today."
"Uhh, really?"
"Yeah, why do you not listen to your voicemail?"
Then I lose him. Later in the night I find the Chang Bee Vang again and ask about this voicemail and he tells me that he wants to interview, "Hows tomorrow morning?"
August 6th: Interview at KOM.
August 9th: Interview at Emerge (Emerge is the organization that received AmeriCorps funding - they then 'sub-contract' the volunteer positions to smaller non-profits around the Metro. All of Emerge's AmeriCorps positions revolve around the same issue of Employment). The interview went wonderfully - and as I was pulling out of the parking lot got a call from KOM offering me the position.
I start Americorps training on August 23rd, and start with KOM full time for the year August 30th. I'm still in shock.
Is that a circle or what?!
2 comments:
I love the story Jeanna. Good example of how opening up can open a whole new world of potential. Great reminder of how taking risks and putting yourself out there can bring truly amazing results.
I'm so happy for you Jeanna! You have had to wait awhile to get to this point, but you are here now, how awesome is that?!
Cory, it feels good. Very, very good.
... & a bit terrifying. :)
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