As I begin this
new academic year in my job as a career counselor at Oregon State University, I am also both honored and excited to be
the 2007-2008 Oregon Career Development Association President. Like many of you, I truly love my career, profession, and
being a part of professional organizations, but often feel overwhelmed by the amount of work that I have in front of me.
As I go into the upcoming year, I am keeping with me the inspiration I experienced at a recent event I attended, in which
the keynote speaker shared her feelings about the importance and power of personal stories. She reminded the audience to
find balance and renewal in their lives through creating their own life stories, with an intentional focus on one’s
inspiration, or “True North”.
To me, what is so exciting about our work as career development professionals is that we also
get to help others in finding their “True North”. Whatever sector we work in, however different our actual jobs
may be, we all play a part in this experience for the clients we serve, in the creation of their life stories. Or, as one
of my especially creative and fashion-conscious colleagues and fellow Board Members puts it, helping people “design
their lives”. It is an honor to play this important role, and it is something I am reminded of every day, particularly
in this year as I serve as the OCDA President.
Whatever part you play in the design of others’ life stories, it is valued by our organization,
and I encourage you to share your expertise and experiences with the 2007-2008 OCDA Board. This year, we plan to provide
a wide variety of excellent and timely events, such as our industry tour featuring the field of healthcare. We are here
to help provide and support a network that contributes to the pursuit of your “True North”. This can only be
achieved successfully with your input, so I invite you to utilize our organization, to participate in our events and activities,
to network, and to revitalize yourself both professional and personally, as you continue in your excellent work in the state
of Oregon and beyond.
Honored
to be Your 2007-2008 OCDA President,
Carrie Coplan
