Batch 7: Thank you letter

To Eily, Cara, and Bobette,

Though I'm more on the Bob side of the unusual name spectrum, Thank you for trusting me to be an asset to the wonderful tight nit team you have put together. Working with all of you every day has been an amazing experience.
Eily, thanks for being the best work neighbor/ Crab Person (even though the one got eaten by the other two- it was traumatic for us all).  All the training you have given me has been invaluable.
Cara, your determination and commitment to detail is something we could not do without here! Though I don't want to work in sales (or work out at the gym) in the slightest, watching you work this semester has made me more determined than ever to try to work as hard everyday as you.
Bobette, thank you for being our fearless leader. It is so refreshing to work for someone who exemplifies leadership as well as being so connected to the inner workings of our team. I hope I am as superb of a leader as you when I get to that point.

You guys are the best!
Nicol

Batch 7: Most important things I've learned

I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with the wonderful people at INFLUENCE AT WORK this semester. It not only has been a wonderful learning environment, but it has given me a chance to reflect about where I'm going.
I think the most important thing I've learned this semester is in regards to where I see myself in the future and what I want out of my career.
As I may have mentioned in previous postings, I have spent the last 5 years in animal welfare and even chose my major based on my intentions to stay in that field forever. My plans changed when I had an extremely negative experience while working at a shelter here in the Valley. I landed at INFLUENCE AT WORK entirely by chance, and it has caused me to re evaluate what is really important (as far as my professional aspirations).
The biggest take aways in this aspect have been the huge differences a positive work environment can make in my overall happiness. For the past several years I was feeling overwhelmingly stressed and might as well have written the book Non- Profit burn out. I was miserable doing what I loved to do. The work I do with INFLUENCE AT WORK isn't as fulfilling as finding a loving home for an animal found half dead a month earlier, but I find myself immensely happier doing it. I genuinely like and trust every one I work with. I am doing the type of work I enjoy (administrative), and I genuinely see room for growth without having to fight a political leadership to get there.
Basically, the most important thing I have learned this semester is how I can love going into work everyday without sacrificing a secure financial status and stress to get there.