It's never too late, or too early, to be who you want to be..

I am approaching the 6 month mark in my new career, in a brand new industry, with a HUGE learning curve - and I can without a doubt say that I am still (if not more so), as excited and enthusiastic to work with so many intelligent, cool, forward-thinking people, as I was when I started. My job is different everyday, and I learn new things almost on the hour - and I couldn't feel anymore lucky to have such a challenging, albeit rewarding, career. In reflecting on the past 6 months, I'm reminded of all of the people who have helped get me where I am today - and continue to unconditionally support and inspire me. I wrote a "letter" (alright.. technically it was an e-mail, but it's 2013 and I'm in tech - so it's fitting..) to my family, announcing my career move and thanking them for all they do. Everything I wrote in that letter 6 months ago, stands true each and every day, so I wanted to share it here, as a reminder to my family, that I love you more than words and value the relationships I have with each one of you. I continue to be impressed with such an outstanding group of people, and I feel so completely blessed to call you family. 

May 8th, 2013

Hi all!

I wanted to send out a note and let you all know that I am making a career change, and moving into the position of Technology Solutions Executive with Pomeroy. My start date is June 3rd and I am very much looking forward to this exciting change. As I approach 27, I think about what I thought my life would be when I was 18. Trust me, it looked nothing like the one I'm living today - and THANK GOD for that! I have done so much more than I imagined I was capable of, and it's all because of the ridiculously amazing people in my life.  

Scott & Val - I would say that the two of you together are the personification of "good things happen to those who wait" - but we all know that old adage is a bit flawed. In truth, good things happen to those who work hard at a goal and never give up! For people so young, your stories were already so rich when you met - and the life you have built together and the amazing children you have created are proof that if you focus on your dreams, stay positive and explore new and different things all in the pursuit of yourself - you can create a life more incredible than you had ever imagined, with the person more wonderful than you could have ever dreamed up! 

GG & Genen - I hope I can create a life with someone who is as dazzled by me, as Genen is by GG. Genen, you have always taught me to be humble and thankful for everything you are fortunate enough to have. Anytime I have been asked any variation of the questions "who do you most admire?" or "who has inspired you the most in your life?" - my answer has always been, my grandmother. GG, you have taught me so much about how to be a assiduous, successful, gracious and beautiful woman. For me, the life and love you and Genen have built is awe-inspiring, and the standard against which all others are measured. Thank you for being the most positive and enthusiastic people I know. 

Daddy & Felicia - Daddy, you have always been my best friend. Not all girls can say that about their fathers. I am so lucky to be able to say that about you. Thank you for always being there to teach, listen, advise, encourage and support me. I am also so thankful you met Felicia. She is like the icing on the cake! Fifi, your confidence in me has helped build confidence in myself, and I am so glad you are my family. 

Emily & Molly - I hope you know that throughout our lives, everything I have done, I have done with the hope of setting a positive example for the two of you. I love when asked about my siblings, because I am always bursting with so many wonderful things to say! I am so proud to have you as my sisters. You are both so beautiful and so full of energy and light. Emily, you are brilliant and hilarious! Your intelligence is beyond measure, resulting in your incredible wit. Molly, you are creative and fearless. I know you are going to be such an inspiration. 

There's a quote by one of my favorite authors that reminds me of the things I have been taught by this family:

“For what it’s worth … it’s never too late, or in my case too early, to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit. Start whenever you want. You can change or stay the same. There are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people who have a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and if you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.”      - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Thank you all for everything you have taught me, and everything I will continue to learn from you. I love you so very much. 

xoxo,

Allison

Thank you all so much, and I can't wait to see what the next 6 months will bring! :)