by Tammy Kasterke DTM
The day you become a Toastmaster, a spark inside you begins to flicker. Many of us don’t contemplate much beyond that spark from Toastmasters. Sure, the spark is powerful as it is sufficient to achieve some of one’s personal goals of confidence, communication and/or leadership. But for the few, the spark becomes a bright light that goes far beyond one’s personal expectations.
This is the emotion that dwelled within me as our newest District 25 Distinguished Toastmasters, Jim Chappel, Shudhi Hashim and Larry Prince spoke about what Toastmasters did for each of them. Their stories refueled my “Why Toastmasters”.
These three amazing men each began Toastmasters with a flickering spark inside. Each one had a different purpose and differing goals. Yet all three fueled their spark to achieve the brightest LIGHT in Toastmasters… the achievement of DTM, Distinguished Toastmaster!
It is fitting that District 25 leadership chooses to celebrate the DTM achievement with light. Light is meaningful in many ways. But two meanings stand out for me. One, LIGHT represents Leadership, Influence, Growth, Honor, and Time. When receiving one’s DTM award, there is realization of how each of these parts played a significant role in their DTM journey. Two, the light is specifically candlelight. The candlelight symbolizes that initial spark growing into a full flame. From the newest DTMs… to the existing DTMs… to the aiming DTMs, the DTM Candlelight Ceremony sets into motion emotional reflections of a journey that started from a spark inside to a bright light shining on the outside.
Thank you, District 25 Leaders, who have been diligent to continue this acclaimed DTM Candlelight Ceremony that extolls our Distinguished Toastmasters. I, and others, are inspired to achieve the LIGHT, the brightest honor in Toastmasters.
