PURPOSE.

whatshesaid2020
Aug 17
2 min read

Like the majestic trees on the campus of the University of South Florida (USF), I have found purpose again.

These trees form a canopy over the walkways that students pass beneath each day during their busy, often hectic, school year. I wonder if they ever pause to admire them—to appreciate their quiet strength and simple purpose: shade.

USF’s campus in Tampa is beautiful and walkable. It’s become my new place of purpose, where I now serve in the Office of Gift Planning. After years of leading teams in Milwaukee, I now manage a portfolio of donors across USF’s three campuses—Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee.

It’s been five months, and I can confidently say: I’ve found purpose.

I’m grateful for colleagues and leaders who value my voice. It’s a tremendous feeling to spend most of my waking hours in a place where professionalism meets education. The students I meet, the donors I connect with, the faculty so committed to teaching—it’s all had a profound impact on this new era of my life.

The old purpose? I mourn it no more.

Have you ever felt that way? That surprising freedom when you step into something new—something you didn’t even realize you needed? Sometimes, personal leadership development means we choose to change for our own sanity. Other times, change chooses us. Either way, finding a new sense of purpose is what keeps us moving.

Rick Warren, in his book The Purpose Driven Life, writes about five pillars that keep us strong and aligned: Faith, Family, Mission, Health, and Legacy. A quote from the book reminds us:

“Experience is not what happens to you. It is what you do with what happens to you. Don't waste your pain; use it to help others.”

That line spoke to me.

Change may come whether we ask for it or not. Learn to mourn it, accept it, move on—and then embrace it. I had to. And after some hard months, I finally got there.

How? Faith. Family. Friends.

The journey may feel endless at times. But I promise, it will end. You will rejoice again. You will discover your new adventure—your new purpose.

How can I help you on that journey?