One day on the MTP train could feel like a week but I could also say one week on the MTP train felt like a day. Just as the train sped through the landscape of America, we too quickly delved deep into our personal missions and our place in this innovative, broken, ever-changing… human world.
As you can see if you scroll through my recent posts, I only posted twice on the journey. I updated a bit on Instagram and Twitter and honestly, I sat and tried to write, but I had not comprehensive way to compose my thoughts. I was busy talking with other participants, listening to others or simply embracing what was happening around me. My emotions and thoughts were changing by the minute.
Millennial Trains Project is not what I anticipated. A go-to quote on the trip was, “It’s always either better or worse that you expected.” And that’s exactly how I felt. I did not know that my project would evolve so much. I did not realize my meetings in the city would face so many logistical issues. I also did not realize that it wouldn’t matter.
As you can see if you scroll through my recent posts, I only posted twice on the journey. I updated a bit on Instagram and Twitter and honestly, I sat and tried to write, but I had not comprehensive way to compose my thoughts. I was busy talking with other participants, listening to others or simply embracing what was happening around me. My emotions and thoughts were changing by the minute.
Millennial Trains Project is not what I anticipated. A go-to quote on the trip was, “It’s always either better or worse that you expected.” And that’s exactly how I felt. I did not know that my project would evolve so much. I did not realize my meetings in the city would face so many logistical issues. I also did not realize that it wouldn’t matter.
I met people that opened my mind to different cultures, different industries and different ways of thinking. I learned more by tagging along with other peoples’ projects than trying to investigate my own. I underestimated my own knowledge yet discovered so much more.
So I’m sure you see by now, this is not a simple thing to explain! However, I will try to share a glimpse into my journey.
My mission going into MTP was to inspire millennial women to connect and use their talents and careers to mentor the next generation of women. I wanted to use this trip and mission as a time of research and exploration into what was available to young girls and women across the country. Already working for an organization that does incredible work in the community for young girls, I also wanted to investigate how we could develop our alumni networks and volunteer base.
On this topic I learned how to open my eyes to the diverse communities in my own city and examples of innovative volunteer and community engagement activities. I thought more about the structure needed to create an environment of women supporting women. I met with representatives from Girls on the Run Los Angeles, Step Up Women’s Network and Electric Girls. Each organization was working to uplift girls to better and brighter futures. I was also on board with some incredible women associated with their own women’s based organizations. Unfortunately we couldn’t stop in Atlanta but I was so looking forward to those meetings!
Though I investigated my intended project, my mission took a few turns along the way. I was challenged to keep exploring and thus, my new mission became to empower young girls through the everyday interactions of a mother-daughter relationship. I recognize a need for an ongoing, facilitated conversation for young girls and the women around them most (primarily mothers). Whether or not they are involved in programs, live in big cities or small towns, moms and daughters need a way to continue building on positive values together.
If you are ever curious as to my thought pattern and where that is headed, let me know. I’d be happy to share my plans. But for the sake of not going through every tangent of my thought process on this blog post, I will move forward.
Below are some pictures to give you a look inside my journey with Millennial Trains Project. Feel free to check my Facebook for a full album.
So I’m sure you see by now, this is not a simple thing to explain! However, I will try to share a glimpse into my journey.
My mission going into MTP was to inspire millennial women to connect and use their talents and careers to mentor the next generation of women. I wanted to use this trip and mission as a time of research and exploration into what was available to young girls and women across the country. Already working for an organization that does incredible work in the community for young girls, I also wanted to investigate how we could develop our alumni networks and volunteer base.
On this topic I learned how to open my eyes to the diverse communities in my own city and examples of innovative volunteer and community engagement activities. I thought more about the structure needed to create an environment of women supporting women. I met with representatives from Girls on the Run Los Angeles, Step Up Women’s Network and Electric Girls. Each organization was working to uplift girls to better and brighter futures. I was also on board with some incredible women associated with their own women’s based organizations. Unfortunately we couldn’t stop in Atlanta but I was so looking forward to those meetings!
Though I investigated my intended project, my mission took a few turns along the way. I was challenged to keep exploring and thus, my new mission became to empower young girls through the everyday interactions of a mother-daughter relationship. I recognize a need for an ongoing, facilitated conversation for young girls and the women around them most (primarily mothers). Whether or not they are involved in programs, live in big cities or small towns, moms and daughters need a way to continue building on positive values together.
If you are ever curious as to my thought pattern and where that is headed, let me know. I’d be happy to share my plans. But for the sake of not going through every tangent of my thought process on this blog post, I will move forward.
Below are some pictures to give you a look inside my journey with Millennial Trains Project. Feel free to check my Facebook for a full album.