Experience can be gained in a variety of ways. At Dordt College, I participated in college athletics and started a special interest club on campus.  Practical application of leadership and teamwork were required to succeed in those environments.  I learned that there is little time to discuss tactics while in the middle of a play on the football field, and that clear communication and trust are necessary for a club event to function.

 

Lessons in teamwork, communication, and leadership continued after graduation at Agropur, Inc. During these long hours and night shifts I began to understand the meaning of integrity.  It is easy to do what you are supposed to do when you are well rested and little depends on your actions. True integrity surfaces in harsh environments.  On more than one occasion my crew worked past the 12 hour shift whistle in order to ensure the job was done well and that those coming into work were not ambushed with complications from the night's run.  In these instances being able to rely on your coworkers meant more than anything.  I made sure they could always count on me, and after 5 years of hard work I left the factory after having been promoted to acting night shift supervisor.  My employees had faith that I would look out for them on the line, and my employers had confidence that I would not only get through the night, but that we would also produce a high quality product.  

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Service has been an important part of my experience and an area that I cannot leave unmentioned.  Most recently, in 2015, I traveled with a group to Guatemala.  We broke up into four teams and completed the construction of four houses in four days. At the building sites, we interacted with the future home owners and learned their stories.  After leaving this mountain village, we worked at two medical clinics in the highlands. Throughout this experience we worked, ate, and laughed with the families, and through this interaction, I realized the importance of giving back and that the simplest act of kindness can change a life. This trip helped me understand that I have the ability and opportunity to make a difference, and that in doing so, I can impact an entire village. These places might not be visible on a map, but the laughter, joy, and hope we brought to those tiny villages is something that I will never forget.  

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Experience is something that can be obtained in a variety of ways.  These stories have been a few of the ways I have gained experience.  Please visit the buttons below for more specific information.

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In the tabs I give a breakdown of my understanding of and skills in each topic.