Now that the program is nearing its end, it’s a little bizarre to think that it’s only been a couple months of my life. I spend almost every day working at a desk next to my mentor’s, and because of that, I hear story after story of the projects she’s been a part of, the research she’s done, and and the struggles she’s faced. She’s put decades into this work. Not just into this nonprofit, or this community specifically, but community work in general. There are organizations we’ve worked with that have been around for longer, done even more, and faced even more struggles for it.
I’ve also met people that have retired from this work. That grew tired and had to leave projects behind. But the fight goes on. I think one of the most important things I’ve learned (something that I was aware of, but that I didn’t feel deep within me until it was my every day reality) is that nonprofit work is kind of a never ending story, one that we all have the power to be a part of, and that others will continue when we can’t. It’s something that both depresses and inspires me.
This is a really insightful perspective, Lisa! I hope you find your place within this never-ending story that makes you feel fulfilled and allows you to use your gifts to serve others. You will no doubt make a beautiful contribution to this world!