by Jesse Ford DTM District Director
Over the last few years, while serving District 25, I have been given the grace to learn new skills and take on challenges I would never have though possible. I have taken roles I honestly knew nothing about. I have been part of the committees that help put on events like the Summit, TLI and the Conference. I have, in the past, been able to help in contest planning and developing into the role of Zoom master. In the end, there was always something that made me come back and want to do it again. Not just that, I wanted to do more.
In District 25, we have some of the most amazing events in the world. We have the best speakers and the best leaders, and truly it’s all possible because we have the best members. If I have learned anything over the last few years, it’s that I can be and do more than I ever thought, because in Toastmasters, we really teach and do what other organizations only think about. In Toastmasters, we realize that the power comes from within. Being a leader in District 25 seems surreal sometimes, but it really makes me proud when I get to see the next “leadership generation” stepping up. Sometimes I catch myself saying things that sound like a “fill-in-the-blank’ prior leader and its almost an out-of-body experience.
As an organization, we must continue to reach new people. The district is continuing to evolve and grow, and this really is exciting. Three new clubs have formed this year, and more are on the way. When it comes time for the next leaders to take over, we must be sure to remember that although they may be standing on our shoulders, we remember they will be the giants to somebody else. That is the best reward of all.
Mother Teresa said, “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” Well, District 25, who’s ready to grow? Who’s ready to do some great things?
