It is every man's obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it.
-Albert Einstein
I know I haven't been keeping up with the blog as much as I wanted to, but everything flew by faster than I ever imagined they would. The past two weeks have been meshed into what seems like two days, and it's mind boggling to think of all the projects I have done in that time.
Conference planning has kicked off to a great start. We've been very lucky to work with amazing people at George Washington University, and everyone is excited to continue all the hard work for the conference in November. We're trying to line up some great speakers (who I won't name yet), and our agendas are almost settled. The Student Advisory Committee (SAC) has a great "mocktail" that we're planning for the Friday night, and hopefully everyone will be just as pumped as we are to meet everyone else who is just as dedicated to Active Minds and mental health advocacy! Remember, if you haven't done so yet, you can start buying your conference tickets at www.activeminds.org and go to the "Programs/Events" tabs, and click "National Mental Health on Campus Conference" link. It's all going to be a fantastic weekend!
Other news: today is Amy's last day. Amy has been a Chapters Coordinator with Active Minds for about 2 1/2 years and has been an amazing inspiration not only to myself but all the other students she has worked with. Amy is actually the person that helped me start my chapter at UConn back in September, and was so amazing with helping me get to where I am today. She has always been willing and able to help with anything that comes up, and make sure that every problem that arises is fixed. Amy is starting at Johns Hopkins University to get her degree in Nursing, and I know I speak for everyone when I say GOOD LUCK AMY!!!!
Now that made me realize I haven't written since Erin left either! Last week Erin, one of our other Chapters Coordinators left us to go to law school. Prior to coming to the Active Minds headquarters, I was never truly able to work with Erin as closely as I did with Amy. However, once I was out here, I was able to see how dedicated Erin is to the organization as well. She always kept spirits high in the office with her great sense of humor, and she will be missed as well - now let's all say GOOD LUCK ERIN!!!!
To wrap up all the sad news, today is my last day at Active Minds as well. It has been an extraordinary experience to work alongside some of the most dedicated people in the mental health field. I have learned numerous lessons that I will carry with me through life, that I would not have been able to learn elsewhere. From day one, each and every person on the Active Minds staff has been there for me whenever I have questions (which I always have many of), need help with something, or just needed some insight on a project I was working on. They have no idea how meaningful each work day was here, and I will never forget the past three months working at Active Minds. So - thank you to Alison, Amy, Erin, Marc and Sara (and Heather too)! You have all changed my life in ways you can't imagine.
It didn't take me too long to find today's quote. Although I have already used an Einstein quote, I think this was the perfect one to use while saying goodbye. Every person on this earth is given an infinite number of opportunities and chances - whether because they're in the right place at the right time, or due to another person's generosity. Of course, it is perfectly okay to capitalize on those opportune moments, but you need to give back to society. For every chance you're given, you owe it to someone else - whether it's an individual or a group of people - to give them an equal, or better opportunity. You must give back what you take in life.
So, with my last blog I must say good-bye and farewell. I have loved writing this blog and keeping everyone posted on the inner-workings of the Active Minds office. I thank each and every one of you for keeping up with my postings, and hopefully you were able to learn something about Active Minds, or anything else in life. Good luck to you all with every future opportunity you are given.
Alas, we are all working towards a similar goal, so why not help each other out!
