Reflecting on 15

Next month I am hitting 15 years working in public service with the State of Washington. It's a milestone that I probably would have hoped to meet at some stage, but knowing I'm here and there is more to come is really exciting. A few memories over these 15 that I have especially enjoyed or am proud of:

• Starting out: fresh out of graduate school, in the midst of the Great Recession, finding work was tough. I was living in Spokane but knew I wanted to give the Westside a shot. I applied to hundreds and hundreds of jobs within the span of a few months. I extended the length of a college internship I had done during school just to make a little money. I lived with my Dad, but he was in the midst of major career transitions of his own, we couldn't afford the house we were living in - it was a tough time. Thinking that I might try to make a career out of something in a higher education environment I applied to a job at Bellevue College. I did a phone screen, and they invited me to a group interview - that's right, a GROUP INTERVIEW. My aunt/uncle were heading over to the Bellevue area anyway for work, and offered to take me with them. I really doubted that I could shine in a group setting, but I was desperate enough to try. The day of the interview, I walked in and it was pretty unnerving. There were about 10 or so college staff on hand, including the Dean, and then probably another 10 or 12 candidates. The Dean gave a brief overview of the school and of the position, and then they quickly pivoted to a group question - "why are you the best candidate for the position?" Completely going against my modest nature and with about a minute to respond, I raised my hand first and offered as best-guess response as to my experience, personality, and fit for the college. I seem to recall there was maybe an opportunity to ask a question at the end, I tried to formulate a question about the student population or mission of the college, I don't honestly remember the details because I pretty much had a couple short moments to make an impression. Apparently I did, because I was later offered the job, making very little money, working around 30 hours a week and in the evenings, but I had a job and an opportunity. Looking back this seems like maybe a little bit of guts and determination, but a lot of luck. Amanda B. supported and supervised me as a fresh faced BC Bulldog staffer!
• Another big break: I then landed a job with a federal grant project at the college as a Reporting and Data Compliance Manager. This was a big step up for me, and I honestly probably didn't have all the necessary experience you would want to have, but I think candidates were thin, I showed an interest and curiosity and they took a chance on me. I learned a lot from my colleagues on that grant project, I think a lot of it shaped interests and work styles that I still have. Sal Thompson you were an advocate in my corner on this one ??.
• Trying something new: In 2016 I joined the Washington State Department of Transportation - here again, I had some gaps in my experience. I wasn't a transportation nerd, an urban planner, or a policy wonk, but I did have some data abilities and skills I learned from my previous job. I put my head down initially and took on challenging roles when I could: I project managed a few high priority legislative reports and provisos, tried to collaborate and learn from engineers/planners/senior management/executives when possible, and then got to take on what ended up being my passion project which was the Human Services Transportation Plan. There are so many people at the State, partner organizations, advocacy groups, and tons of others that do so much good work to spotlight the lack of access that underserved communities have. In a few different roles that touched this work, I got to play a part in giving voice to that in a State Plan and put some of my fingerprints on it as well. The last few years I've continued to grow, taking on new work in areas of policy, land use and transportation integration, and working with local cities on their comprehensive planning efforts. I love working for an agency that I share so many values with and get to help elevate and prioritize that in different ways. It continues to challenge me in the work I do. Michael Wandler, Rich Lee , Jacob Brett , Susan B. , Don Chartock , Stan Suchan, Debbie Ruggles , Justin Nawrocki , Jeff Storrar were all/have been great friends, mentors and colleagues, amongst many, many others.

15 years ago I was a very different person. I didn't have any real attachments nor did I have a real career path. In that time while building my career and making friends along the way, I have met and married the love of my life, met and raised my best friend (Gunner - our large Goldendoodle!) and had two beautiful and brilliant girls. I've lost family members, had unforgettable vacations, bought a house, fought some medical battles, balanced work-from-home life amidst COVID and lockdown, completed a couple of very intense certification programs, and lots of other stuff in between. All that time I was a state employee, and hopefully making a little bit of an impact in the meantime.

Those folks above and lots of others have supported my 15. Helping me fight that self-doubt, encouraging me to stick my neck out or voice my opinion, or championing work I've done. This is hands down the best thing about working in public service - the people you build relationships with truly care, see you, and lift you up.

I can't wait to see what the next 15+ brings.