In August of 2016, I chose to walk away from an educational career field that I never thought would happen. I had been caring for my mother who was having some very serious health issues. This was the beginning of many more health-related events, ones where I had to become strong for the strongest one, my mother. When I made the choice to step out on faith it allowed me to have the biggest weight lifted off my shoulders. I was already working for a local event staffing agency on a part-time basis. Once I left my full time position, I turned the part time into full time. There were some cons in doing so, the biggest one was the lack of medical insurance. The biggest pro for me was the flexibility in scheduling.
Fast forward to June 2021, I was offered full time employment with my current company, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. This was right at the peak of the event industry opening back up post-COVID. I was so nervous about my new position, mainly because I had been out of the loop for so long and not feeling confident with my tech savvy skillset. That was then and this is now. Needless to say, a WHOLE lot has changed. When I say the right door opened, that’s exactly what I mean. Since I became a part of this team, I have been pushed to go for goals I have set in an industry that I never thought would be so enjoyable for me. I’ve been extended various opportunities to join company committees such as DEI, rewards and recognition, and customer service. One of the most exciting invitations I received was to become a part of the Emerging Business Leaders. Upon doing my research I felt honored about the opportunity that stood in front of me, the many doors that would be opened, along with the seats at tables I never envisioned sitting at. To this, I simply say: “I don’t look like what I’ve been through.”
Although we have only had two classes thus far, I can admit that I have gained some very new perspectives and takeaways that I can implement into my professional and personal life. I have made new connections that I know will extend my branch of networking outside of my comfort zone. I look forward to branching my professional thought process to places that five years ago I would have been apprehensive about approaching. Knowing your confidence level versus feeling and living in your confidence is a huge thing to be able to admit. In closing I would say: go for what you know and remember that you get what you give. Someone is always watching your movement and listening to your conversation when you least expect them. I can finally say with grace and favor in my corner, “I AM COMFORTABLE IN THE SKIN I’M IN AND I DEFINITELY DESERVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE, IN THE ZOOM MEETINGS, AND I’M COMING TO REACH MY GOALS!”
Shawn Coston is an office administrator at the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn.
