REFLECTIONS FROM OUR OUTGOING PRESIDENT, LARA WORDEN:
"Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyways."
As I reflect on this year’s convention this past weekend, I am reminded of this quote. It pretty much sums up how I felt when I agreed to serve as President of the Southeast Endurance Riders Association (SEERA) four years ago. Little did I know what was in store ahead of me. But if I had to do it all over again, I would gladly do so.
I definitely made my fair share of mistakes, and more than one. I certainly didn't please everybody. Nor did everybody agree with all of my decisions or how I chose to lead, but hopefully I was transparent, fair, and just and I hope I did some good. One very valid lesson I learned -- it takes a village!
I have so many people to thank for this opportunity.…. Sudi Lenhart, our Vice President, for believing in me; Laurie Underwood, our Secretary, for being my right hand from beginning to end; and Tamra Williams, our outgoing Treasurer, for providing so many years of service to this organization.
I also need to take a moment and publicly acknowledge those who helped with this year's SEERA Convention in no apparent order.…. Molly Caldwell for stepping up and taking over the SEERA awards; Erin Leal for tackling the self-nominations; Nina Barnett for handling the tabulations of all of the other awards; Michelle Hoffman Wrobel for her creative ideas (and offering to serve as our incoming Treasurer); Kim Minarich for her willingness to help in the planning process and connecting us with her most talented husband; and Victoria Mexcur for keeping it real and giving us a new and refreshing perspective on where we can go with this sport that I love so much. And last but not least, Shannon Thomason for agreeing to serve as our incoming President!
I feel very confident that this organization is in very capable hands and the future of endurance in the southeast looks bright! And I cannot think of a better way to spend my last few days as SEERA President than with the people that I love and respect most. We had a great two days at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge!
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