In June 2012, I participated in the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Preservation Leadership Training held in Beaufort, SC. Part of the experience included me growing up, growing aware and believing in myself as a preservation leader.
I received mixed responses when I told people about applying for the training. As with most of my experiences, I was told, "who do you think you are to be applying for such a 'high level' training, you are just beginning your career," to, "I wouldn't have thought you would apply for something like that, because you aren't really an affiliate of the Trust," to, "I am surprised that you would want to pay money for that," and my most favorite, "you're not a preservationist." Well, I was accepted by the Trust, I was able to pay my way, and the training has been complete for over a month now. I even have the paper certificate to prove my successful completion, but what did I really gain?
Aside from gaining self confidence and belief in myself as a professional, I gained experience working with strangers in an unfamiliar city, and I gained experience being creative with numbers. I gained knowledge of the unfamiliar city, culture and people. I became more determined to remain open-minded and objective. I began to believe in the ability of true teamwork.
I would like to thank the members of the Purple Team for being true beings with purpose and dedication. For some, the trip to Beaufort would have just been a vacation, but for us... it was a trial and tribulation.
Believe in yourself, and you will find yourself surrounded by others who feel likewise.
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