By Ciara Williams, Program Assistant, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council
When you’re the youngest, newest, and least experienced person at the table, you have something to prove. To yourself, to your team, and to the world.
On one particular occasion, the need to highlight my talent and potential overwhelmed me, and I had to act. We were days away from the thanksgiving holidays, and a deadline to submit a draft Regional Housing Council Proposal sprung up. I had already read and delightfully analyzed the first one, written over a year ago. My passion for writing, collaborative governance, and housing solutions all coalesced into one outdated document. I was enthralled by its potential for the future. The moment I read it, I knew I would plug into this work one way or another.
My supervisor, who is hours away from leaving the office for a week, presents his dilemma: “We need an updated Regional Housing Council proposal by the Monday after we return from holiday”. He, being an instant problem solver, was haphazardly rearranging holiday plans in his head to accomplish a rewrite. I, being the youngest and least experienced at the table, saw my opportunity; my eyes widened with eagerness and before giving my workload or holiday plans a second thought, I said I would rewrite the Regional Housing Council proposal. To my disbelief, Scott agreed to my proposition. In this moment, my fate was set. I would be the giddiest and most stressed human for the next 7 days straight. Since I acted without thinking, my workload was slightly unmanageable and therefore, I convinced myself that I would work on the update while I was home for Thanksgiving. My wishful thinking proved to be utterly unfeasible. So I drove back to Bend late on Saturday afternoon and spent the evening and following morning organizing thoughts and concepts and typing our vision into life. Until at last, I had achieved my dream, which was ultimately to write on important things with passion for the topic.
Although what I offered was a very rough draft, and the outcomes of our proposal are yet to be realized, this first step was an immense feat in my service term. My few months of service led me to this moment. All of the knowledge, passion, and experience was culminating to overcome imposter syndrome. As a result, my RARE experience has empowered me in unmeasurable ways and allowed me to step up when called upon. This turning moment has been a catalyst for the remainder of my service projects. I feel empowered by my supervisors and my own worth to plug into regional and community project as I am called to.
About the author, Ciara Williams: Ciara graduated from the George Washington University with a Bachelor’s of International Affairs, specializing in International Economics, and minoring in Latin American Literatures, Cultures, and Languages. Ciara is passionate about the intersections of sustainability, economic development, and social justice. Academically, Ciara intends to pursue her Master’s Degree in Urban Studies. Personally, Ciara enjoys exploring local coffee shops, eating ice cream, playing volleyball, and spending quality time with friends.
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