Making a Difference
Saturday, October 18th, 2008

The last thing my mother told me before she passed away is “Continue to make a difference in this world.” This is my mission each day of my life ….. in everything that is presented to me. How am I making a difference in this situation? How is God leading me to make a difference?

Many opportunities have been given to me to make a difference in education. In many levels, I have been placed on various boards to give of my expertise in finance, organizational skills, networking, or leadership………all of which have concentrated on youth and their needs.

Being on the Virginia 4-H Foundation Board since 1993 has been a blessing. Its mission is to guide many children in the Commonwealth of Virginia to learn from projects to their completion, working in teams, respecting those teaching them and those of authority, and living by the 4-H’s. Being an arm of Virginia Tech, the board meets in Blacksburg and builds under their umbrella of guidance.

Jobs for Virginia’s Graduates (JVG) is a 501(c)3 organization which keeps young adults off the welfare lines and teaches them to build self respect by being in the workforce. Being in 14 schools throughout Virginia, this organization is contributing tremendously to assisting in the future generations and in a healthy society. Being on this board since 1996 has offered me the opportunity to assist and be a part of grooming these youth.

Another level of participation in education is being a board member of the Germanna Community College Foundation Board. Since 1993, it was phenomenal to see this school grow from one building in Locust Grove to two in Fredericksburg, and one technical facility in Culpeper. It was a joy to be on the board in various officer positions to president for 3 years, and past president for 3 years, to board member emeritus — being the second and the only woman receiving this honor.

How awesome it was to be appointed by Governor Mark Warner to the Board of Visitors at the Universitiy of Virginia, to be the chairman of the Audit Committee for three years, member of the Finance Committee, and also the Diversity Committee. How phenomenal to have been a member of this auspicious team to assist in making policy for various areas at UVA.

To have had the opportunity to work with all the talented people on these boards and to continue to “make a difference” in this world is a true blessing, and one which I do not take lightly.

It is my belief that each one of us has a reason for being … a mission that God has given to my life …… my life which was brought about by the union of my mother and father……..great mentors to me each day of my life. Both taught me so much. My father was a teacher and a farmer……..and, my mother was right by his side in all of his endeavors.

So, no doubt, those of my friends who will be reading this acknowledged that each is here on this earth to “make a difference” also …… and, that absolutely, this is being done in your life.

Our mission …… to make a difference !