In January we were asked to consider next season, succession planning and our next steps. A session I found difficult in knowing this could have been my last 6 months representing The FA Youth Council. On January 21st I wrote myself a letter to open during our celebratory meal, it seems appropriate to re-open the blog and share what my letter said...
Sarah,
At the time of writing this you shared a photo in instagram, that motivating giraffe one saying:
'The future will always be uncertain, just take that first step.'
When you open and read this, the future will still be uncertain, but I hope you will be more comfortable about it.
In 2012, you were filmed on camera saying, 'I've come to be inspired, so that I can go and inspire.' In that moment and week realising some of the possibilities ahead of you, but I bet you didn't picture the 3.5 years representing The FA National Game Youth Council.
Developing yourself: wanting to learn, understand and become a better leader.
Developing others: within the team, regional YLs, and through our events and projects. You're a giver, please don't ever lose that.
Developing the community: Helping to build and support our community. You're about to implement a learning campaign, become a community manager - be that zoo keepers you keep telling people about. Smile when you read this knowing you've been a nurturing pioneer, that sounds cool at the very least ;].
Think about everyone who has been part of the FA NGYC journey. Those who have made up your fan bus - joined the ride from the beginning, hopped on along the way and jumped off at their stop.
Always remember, journeys start and stop, people are people... the fan bus rolls on forwards because of the person you are not the title you hold.
Think about the person you are, have become and continue to strive for. The Sarah Nickless who wanted to inspire, but didn't know how. The one who became scared of being a role model. The deep thinker who wouldn't let people in because she didn't know how to. The one who wouldn't contribute for fear or being wrong. who needed extra days before sharing concrete thought out ideas.
The Sarah Nickless who sang Year 3000 at FFCamp14, closed FFCamp15 talking about lollipops and opened FFA16 explaining the different types of light bulbs. The one who has grasped and adapted through change, but kept true to their values:
- Greet everyone on arrival, be last out after clearing up.
- Be humble
- Put others ahead of yourself
- Show respect, learnt to challenge appropriately, listen first
- Be you, even when no-one is looking
-Show gratitude, always.
You might not be able to walk backwards in a straight line blindfolded, struggle with most ice-breakers but you certainly know how to make others smile and have learnt that 'hope' isn't wishful thinking but a mindset to carry your life through.
I hope that the last 6 months have been incredible, that you've enjoyed the present, developed your learning community, arranged the March meeting and delivered FALA17 leaving your legacy... being a team member everyone has been glad to have.
This chapter is coming to a close. Right now, I don't know if I'm turning the page or closing the book. Please feel safe in the knowledge its pages worth reading and whatever comes is what is meant to be. If you're crying... get a grip. Stand tall and end this confidently.. what would the world's best zoo keeper do? What are you going to do?
The future is uncertain... it's about your next step.
You are your own light bulb, keep shining, keep smiling,
SN
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