"I can be brave like Audryn"

I was watching the most stunning sunset in my front yard when a neighbor asked if I had a couple of minutes to chat. She shared with me that she thinks I'm brave. Apparently back in November, the opportunity to apply to a job came up.  This neighbor is a mom who had been out of the workforce for ten years. She was nervous to apply and doubts surfaced. Why would this company hire her when it's been so long since she's been in the work place? Would they like her? Would they hire her? Did she have anything to give? 

"Then I thought about how you ran for State School Board. That is so brave! I thought if Audryn can run for State School Board, I can be brave like Audryn and apply for this job. And I got the job!"

I recently finished my cohort experience with the Utah Teacher Fellows and reflected not only on all that I accomplished, but also on events that transpired BECAUSE of my time with the Fellows. During a discussion, I was sharing about how I had changed in x ways, but failed to mention my campaign. Several Fellows shouted, "And you ran for State School Board!!" I realized in that moment how my decision to campaign had ripple effects that will be remembered by others. I didn't win the campaign, and who knows if I'll run again, but even if I didn't win, my decision to run impacted people I don't even realize. My neighbor reminded me of that fact today, and I'm grateful that she took a couple of minutes to share her story with me.