What's next?

Greetings all,

I hope you're well. After almost six interesting years at Cisco Systems I've chosen another path to adventure, one that I know will be fulfilling, challenging and filled with opportunities to follow my passion for serving my industry, community (face it, MT is one large town) and nation. During the transition from one chapter to another over the past few weeks have been filled with comments, questions and concerns that range from enthusiastic 'congratulations!' to 'are you sick?' :-) Rest assured there's no illness, merely excitement for what comes next in life, something I look forward to sharing in the coming months.

This transition has given me an opportunity to reflect upon the critical mass of efforts and amazing personalities here in SW Montana that are bringing to life innovative (OK, guerilla) STEM education, economic development, revitalizing broadband deployments, startups and unprecedented regional investments. It could be said that MT, and perhaps the US, is in a state of renewal but that doesn't begin to describe the palpable vibe that has permeated the past year. 1998 was the last time such a vibe existed and in retrospect that was an echo in comparison to the cacophony we have here today; that sense of excitement sixteen years ago has been one-upped by purpose to improve our world, educate our citizens and prepare for a future that seems bound only by the degree to which we successfully address lingering social, environmental and economic issues. Perhaps therein lies the difference, this time around these challenges are being acknowledged and dealt with head-on, not cast aside awaiting future solutions that 'others' will develop. Enjoying part time roles as both a spectator and participant in this movement, dare I say renaissance, has turned this died-in-the-wool pragmatist into an optimist. For the first time in my life the possibility of delivering a better future for our children seems possible, heck, even likely.

Regularly interacting with so many of the personalities and organizations that are making differences, large and small, is humbling, exciting and motivating to be sure. It's often apparent the only way to thank those that have already done so much in the service of others is not through words but through action. In showing that gratitude it's my sincere hope to play a small role in further shaping and guiding our community and nation in the coming months and years.

So what's next? For both MT and myself, challenges, success, adventure and with a lot of hard work, prosperity.

In closing, I would invite anyone reading this to volunteer to share your knowledge and experience with students in your community, attend a local meetup, contribute something, anything, to a maker (hacker) space, if you don't have one MAKE ONE. Mentor, protect, and support those around you. The positive impact you can make as an individual is amazing, imagine if everyone did the same.

Until next time,

AJC