Hi old lady, let me network with you

Let me get off my high horse so you can properly hear my wise musings. This evening I networked with the managers/coordinators/other supervisory word of a state-wide early childhood intervention program. Me, this itty bitty 21-year-old discussed sharing resources, setting up meetings, and swapped shiny business cards (okay, so they just gave me theirs - the school district refuses to make me any, jerks).

Of course, previous to this self-inflating moment I sat for two mundane hours with snatches of fascinating information. It seems that in order to get to the "inside" information - the actual interesting things I go to these trainings for - you have to listen to dry program histories that are inevitably typed up on an overly worded Powerpoint, slapped on with a token picture so it looks like the visual part is useful. It's like an obligatory dig through the mud in search of a few glittering diamonds. I search out these opportunities - even when they don't relate to what I'm doing, or even really interested in - in the hope that I will catch those glimmers and have them lead to something more.

Once we finally get past the necessary program review and history, which everyone stares disinterestedly at, we arrive at question and answer time. Sometimes this is exciting, interactive, and thought-provoking. Alas, not tonight. One concerned mother's continual questions are answered with program staff getting off on naming their collaboration efforts and progress. Each woman (they all have sensible, graying haircuts with practically identical pantsuits) is very protective of their name and title - we serve Outer Banks, not just Banks, dear. Director of therapeutic programs, not activities. None of the woman's questions are really answered.

As for me, I spent the session taking the notes that have become this blog post. I also wrote down their brainstorm ideas for political advocacy, which I will use later in life when I am a brilliant and motivated political advocate. Activist. Lobbyist. Advisor. Legislator. PRESIDENT.