No One Achieves Anything Alone

Two years ago this month, I first laid eyes on Alaska. That trip began my journey of self-discovery and set me on the path to fulfill my passion. During these days in the Last Frontier, I gave myself permission to be happy and finally entertained the idea of quitting my dead end job. Shortly after returning from Alaska, I resigned, applied to grad school, and have been following my dream of being a librarian ever since. The days have been long, but the following years have flown by. There have been times that I have been grateful to the point of tears, and others when there have just been tears--frustrated, exhausted tears. I graduate in just under six months, and I can confidently say that it has all been worth it.

For the past four months, I have been interning at a small, rural library just south of Grand Rapids. In that time, I’ve grown very attached to the community and to this little library that has welcomed me with open arms. Although the day lay months in the future, I was already dreading the day when my internship would end and I would have to say goodbye. However, in an interesting turn of events, I can now say that I will be at this little library for years to come.

I am now the director of this little library, as of July 6. Words escape me. I’m excited, shocked, nervous, and immeasurably grateful for this opportunity. It seems fitting that my first day coincided with the first day I spent in Alaska, years ago. Once again, I'm beginning another journey, a new chapter. I’ve already received so much support from the wonderful people in my life, the people who believe in me even when I don’t quite believe in myself. This little library is going to become something great and I’m just so fortunate to be a part of it. To quote the mighty Leslie Knope: No one achieves anything alone.

So for now, I’m going to take a deep breath and move forward with making this little library the best damn library this town has ever seen.

Don’t panic. Kick ass.