Chapter 37
It’s a small, small
world
“Keep Circling”
Jan 2015
In order to begin my “big year” that I spoke about last
chapter, it only seems fitting that I have the best, possible class schedule.
My friends have even joked and said that I am only a part-time student. Although
I only have class on Mondays and Wednesdays, I am still enrolled in 12 hours.
My other days are spent living out my “big year,” some days are filled with
work, others filled with meetings with Buddy’s (the start-up), and here recently,
they have been focused on an internship search.
Before the end of last semester, I was accepted into the
inaugural Adams Apprenticeship program through the business school. The program
is meant for all-in entrepreneurs (undergrads and MBAs) who want to get a head
start in the game. Since the program is in its first year, there are a lot of
things that are unknown. However, the purpose of the program is to give
undergraduates, like myself an opportunity to connect with business leaders all
across the United States. The Adams core team hopes to give us a network
equivalent to a professional that is 10 years out of college.
On the kick-off night (Jan 13, 2015) of the Adams
Apprenticeship program, the apprentices and I learned of the 120 mentors that would
be volunteering to assist us in anything we might need. The goal of the first
year of the program was to build a 5-6 person team that would serve as out
advisors. This team would be there to give advice, teach, and connect us with
other individuals, and it just so happened that we got to meet nearly half of
the advisors at a kick-off dinner. And when I say a kick-off dinner, I mean a kick-off
dinner that I will never forget.
When we arrived at the house (mansion) of the kick-off
dinner, we were greeted with 50 of the Adams advisors. This dinner was beyond
anything that I had ever imagined. So many people, and so many business leaders
surrounded me. I felt like a kid in a candy shop. This opportunity, yes this
opportunity, was THE biggest opportunity of my professional career.
The kick-off began with a ceremonial coin giving. Each
apprentice was tasked with giving two advisors a symbolic coin. This coin would
be used to remind our advisors of the commitment they made to the program. The
two names I received were two men I had never met, seen, or heard of. One of the advisors, said something after I
gave him the coin that I will never forget. He said, “I have received a few of
these in my life, one from the presidential office, one from a CIA member, and
the last one I received was from a NASA astronaut.” He paused, and then he said
something that sent chills up my spine. “I expect big things from you!” I
smiled as big as I could smile, and told him I wouldn’t let him down. As the other
recipient of my coin listened, he whispered, “Well, this is the first coin I
have received…”
The night was full of
networking, laughing, and more importantly planning meetings with a few of the
advisors. One of which, hit really close to home.
We met at Suttons, a drug store on Franklin Street that I go
to every week. I was thrilled to meet with Brett, one of the youngest advisors
in the program. Before moving to Chapel Hill, Brett lived in San Francisco
where he sold two successful companies. His background, and business experiences
were something I knew I could learn from.
Our lunch meeting went smoothly as I told him about my
interests, goals, and background. I told him of my west coast dreams, Buddy’s,
and about my childhood. He stopped me when I mentioned “Valdese.” He told me
that his wife was from Lenoir, which just happens to be 15 minutes from my
house. Small world right? Or maybe, just a really BIG God. I believe that Brett
was there for a bigger purpose.
After the moment when he said, “I know where Valdese is,” we
had a connection. He began pour out more knowledge, and gave me so much insight
about the west coast, and entrepreneurship than I had ever received. He listen
to me, and I listened to him. He said his wife had big dreams, and she made
them happen. He told me, “I had to get out of my comfort zone, and the West
Coast (Silicon Valley) was the perfect place for that.” As I heard him speak, it became real. What I
mean, is a real feeling of faith. He was telling me, in order to be successful
in anything, you have to step out in faith. And right now, the west coast is my
step in the right direction.
From the moment I met Brett, I felt a connection. Maybe it’s
him knowing where Valdese is, or maybe it’s something bigger.
Another step I will be making this summer is that to new
lands. Lands that are far beyond driving distance. I will be fulfilling one of
my goals, and studying abroad in South Africa for two weeks. In order to be
accepted into the program I had an interview. And oddly enough, Holly Wood, my
interviewer, interviewed me when I applied to the business school. And yes,
Holly Wood. Small world right?
During the interview she asked me how I had grown at
UNC/college. My answer was “a lot.” Of course, it was more sophisticated than
that, but it’s true. College, no matter what stage is incredible. As I began to
share with her the depths of my experience I realized how truly blessed I am.
And you, as a reader, can never forget how blessed you are.
For Christmas my mom bought me a book, I’m not sure if she
knows this, but buying me a book is a lot like playing the lottery. You never
know if you’re going to succeed with the purchase. Books and I have never been
friends, seems ironic right?
However, this book The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
could be compared, in lottery terms, as the Mega Million. The book talks about
drawing circles around your prayers, goals, and life. In the book, Mark says,”
If you’re prayers aren’t impossible to you, they’re insulting to God.” This
book has made a huge impact on my life, and I know it will do the same to you.
No matter the depth of your schedule, the people you meet,
the internship you’re searching for, the girl you haven’t met, or anything that
you’re passionate about. Keep circling, because you never know, you might meet
someone that’ll make it all make sense. It might just so happen they’ll know
where your small town is located on the map.
