A participant in the Stand-To program explains how her classmates inspire confidence and encouragement.
Everyone has doubts…doubts about ourselves, our relationships, our abilities, our accomplishments. I’ve always considered myself a generally optimistic, confident, and independent person. I’ve had success in many areas of life, but somehow my confidence faltered, my independence eroded, my optimism dimmed.
I was feeling a bit lost, like I was barely treading water with no direction. Then a light came on when opportunity presented itself — the opportunity to participate in the Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program.
Simply being accepted into the program helped build back a little of my confidence, and the exciting, challenging, and meaningful work ahead not only on my personal leadership development, but also on work helping our military and veteran communities brightened my outlook and filled me with encouragement. And that was before the program even started.
The first meeting of the 33 scholars brought back some of that self doubt while at the same time lit a fire beneath me not to let that self doubt control me any longer.
The participants in the program inspire me, teach me, and motivate me to be better and do better. They are leaders in their fields. They are mentors to many. They are selfless beyond belief in their commitment to the collective mission to serve veterans, as well as in their genuine support and kindness.
They are leaders deeply rooted in strong values. They are the type of leaders John Quincy Adams spoke of: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
My fellow scholars lead by example. They motivate others. They share success. They move forward no matter how difficult the challenges may be. I gain new insights from them every day we are together for the program and when we are not as they are sharing ideas, encouragement and experiences.
I’ve learned as much from them as I have from the great leaders and speakers we hear from and meet during our program sessions. If there is ever a reason to be optimistic about the future of our country, it lies in the futures the men and women in this program are committed to creating for our veterans and for our country.
FDR said, ““The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” Don’t let your own doubts limit your future. Find your beacon of hope and inspiration. Be confident in what you have to offer. I am.
Blaire Bush is a scholar in the inaugural Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program. She is a workshop facilitator for the AFX Group, an organization that works to educate and assist veterans in career readiness. With her participation in Stand-To, Blaire is hoping to increase spouse participation in her transition workshops to improve and enhance employment preparedness among veterans and their spouses.
