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An ADA Educational Journey: The Places We Have Been, Oh, the Places We Will Go!

The first 300 words of the full text of this article appear below.

I would like to share the wisdoms, passions, and lessons I have learned from the educators and other volunteers I have met during my term as the American Diabetes Association (ADA) President, Health Care & Education this past year. My message has three focus areas:

1. The joy of the journey—the places we, the ADA, have been,
   
2. The people I have met and with whom I have shared information and diabetes education opportunities, and
   
3. The wisdoms I have come to live by through this experience.
   

The Places We Have Been

Theodore Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, has been a constant source of inspiration for me. His themes (Goodness triumphs. Bad is put down. People are good. The world can be improved.) have been my guide. In March 2004, we commemorated his 100th birthday. A theme park was created in his honor in his hometown of Springfield, Mass., near my own home and work. The park featured one of his famous children's books, "Oh the Places You Will Go," from which I will draw the closing words for this article.

My journey as an ADA officer was driven by my passion to make a difference. This passion was well-matched when I first became involved with the ADA and joined volunteers on their own journey to making an everyday difference in the lives of those affected by diabetes. This shared mission has had a strong influence on the person I am today.

Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan once said, "Life begins when you begin to serve." With this as my inspiration, my volunteer life in the ADA began. I have had the opportunity to serve as an ADA leader in two states, Minnesota and Connecticut, as well as at the national level. Through these experiences, I have seen firsthand the growth and, yes, some struggles, within . . . [Full Text of this Article]

The People I Have Met

The Things I Have Learned

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