Snapshot of a Human

The First Step

When I first started working after high school, I had my first "real" job interview. I sat across from a man who held the power to hire me or not. I didn't talk much about my skills; instead, I talked about the friends I'd made in school and what a determined group they were. During those years, we showed up every single day. We were young and passionate—sometimes we contended with each other, sometimes we clashed with other groups, and sometimes we even pushed back against the staff. But in the end, we all made it through. We did what we had to do. Whether we were making things better for ourselves in the moment or not, we stayed the course. We accomplished the goal: we graduated. To this day, I am still in contact with a few of those remarkable people.

Finding the Groove

A year or so later, with a little experience under my belt, I went for my second interview. Again, I sat before a man in a suit and tie who had the ability to hire me or not. This time, I spoke about the team I had just worked with. I told him about the people who showed up, rain or shine. We were a team—a small but vital cog in a much larger wheel. We didn't always see eye-to-eye; we challenged each other, we debated with other departments, and we even pushed back against management. Our goal, however, was always to improve. Sometimes we succeeded, and sometimes we fell short, but we always got the job done. We were constantly evolving and trying new ways to work. Decades later, I still keep in touch with a few of those fine individuals.

The Park District Path

Fast forward many years to an opportunity in construction with the Urbana Park District. I found myself sitting in front of Keith Eworks. I told Keith the same truth I'd learned at every stage: every job I've ever had was defined by a great group of people. Each new company brought a new team, and with that came the usual friction. We would struggle amongst ourselves or with management, but we always kept our eyes on the objective. Whether the outcome was perfect or not, we reached the finish line together.

After "the bug" and the loss of John Funk, a new door opened for a maintenance position. I interviewed with Shane Newell and then a full panel. I shared that same sentiment: at every place I have ever worked, I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by great people.

The Bigger Wheel

Most recently, following the retirement of Executive Director Tim Bartlett and the hiring of Rachel Lenz, I had my first official sit-down with her. My message remained unchanged. I told her that throughout my career, my greatest pleasure has been the privilege of working alongside such dedicated groups of people.

I believe this is the essence of the human spirit. It is driven by determination and the fundamental truth that most people are inherently good and mean well. We are all small cogs in a vast machine, each of us helping that bigger wheel roll just a little bit better.