There I was, sitting in my office prepping for my first lectures of 2016 a few weeks ago when my colleague asked if I checked my mailbox recently – I had snail mail! I LOVE SNAIL MAIL. There is nothing more fantastical to me than getting a handwritten note in the mail. Old school. In the age of I NEED THIS THING RIGHT NOW RIGHT HERE HELPPPPPPPP, it is so flattering to know someone 1) thought of you, 2) furthered their thought to, “Not only do I wonder how Nicole is doing, I should write her a note to ask her and say hi” and finally 3)…
…actually doing it.
Bob Gavagan took the time to send me a handwritten note at a time that is incredibly challenging, busy and exciting (AKA, stressful) for me (and let's face it, it's February...stresful for ALL of us). It couldn’t have arrived at a better time! I have known since I moved to Memphis last August to take on a new career in the academic side that I made the best move professionally for me. But, unexpected reassurance that I am TOTALLY doing the right thing from young professionals I’ve met along the way of my journey instantaneously makes me smile like an idiot. A freaking idiot.
I love it. Little notes and words of encouragement when you aren’t looking for it from someone you really didn’t know you’ve touched fuels my passion to keep doing this thing called LIFE.
“There is no greater joy, nor greater reward, than to make a fundamental difference in someone’s life,” Mary Rose McGeady.
Amen Sister. I get way more out of my relationships when I know I am bringing something to their table.
JOY. Just like Bob took note of in his letter, I get “sheer joy.” It’s true.
Mentorship is something that goes far beyond an email monthly or a text to let someone know you're thinking of them. Leading by example and demonstrating your love for your career is another way to mentor the next generation of young sport industry pros. This industry is a GRIND, for not nearly enough money, but man...is it cool. And rewarding. If you haven't spoken to your mentor or mentee in a while, maybe make today the time to reach out and talk about how 2016 is going for you both thus far; share best practices; vent about a situation you have no control over, but are making the best of it - and HOW you're making the best of it! Take the time for yourself to reconnect with those that look up to you (or look next to you - your "career peers!") to share all the great things that can come from your career path.
When you take a leap of faith to move so far away from your comfort zone, personally and professionally, AND you’re going at it alone (well, physically alone)… it’s SCARY, y’all. But I really believe that my journey wouldn’t throw me something I couldn’t handle. And the joy I get on a daily basis working with our students, pushing them to work as hard as I have in the past and continue to truck along, handing out high-fives when they land their first internship (high-fives are still cool, yo)…it reminds me of why I took this leap.
Joy, cheer, happiness…and it’s all meant to be shared.
Take the leap. Share your happiness with others. Revel in the JOY that follows.
-Nicole Imbrogno
@24NicoleFrances
NACMA Professional Development Committee Member