Benefit
From and Contribute to
STC Community
By Walter
Hanig, President
Fellow members,
Welcome to the 2002-2003 chapter year!
I'm writing this on the way back from my high school reunion in a one-high-school town in Tennessee. More so than at previous reunions, I was struck by the sense of connection to my classmates, many of whom I never knew those many years ago.
I think that,
perhaps because of the tragedy of last September 11, each of us felt more
like part of a community. We shared some common experiences in the past
and were sharing some common challenges in the present: empty or soon
to be empty nests, boomerang children, aging parents, prospects of retirement,
and the aches and pains earned since graduation.
It occurred to me as I reflected on the reunion and the time spent with old, dear friends that STC, particularly at the chapter level, is also a community. Like any community, no two members have identical situations, interests, goals, experiences, or skills.
However the characteristics we do share are more significant than our differences. We all want to be appreciated and rewarded for our contributions. We want to learn new skills. We want to face new professional challenges. We want to share our experiences with others.
My goal as
president of the San Diego STC Chapter is to help create an environment
where these wants can be met.
Clearly, this is an ambitious objective. It's more than I or the Administrative
Council can expect to accomplish alone. Yet, by drawing on the strength
of the chapter community, this objective doesn't seem so tough. In
a community, at any given time, some members need assistance and others
have the time and ability to assist.
Personally,
I've gotten much help from chapter members. Thanks to Suzy and John for
welcoming me to the community. For examples, thanks to Kris for getting
me involved as a volunteer, thanks to Tom for putting in my résumé
at Qualcomm; thanks to Jim for encouraging me to create a chapter presentation.
I'm sure my experience as a beneficiary of others' knowledge, time, enthusiasm,
and counsel is not unique. I'd bet that each of you has benefited from
another member at one time.
With this background, I ask you all to consider ways you can help other members of the San Diego STC community. Volunteers are always needed. You can contribute as little as an hour a month or as much as you can spare. The opportunities to help are varied. Some are solitary; others involve close work with a committee. Some tasks recur; others are single instances.
However you
choose to contribute, I guarantee you'll feel the satisfaction of giving.
Please contact any member of the Administrative
Council, and let us know you can contribute to our community. Even
if you can't make a commitment now, please consider giving back to the
chapter when one of us asks you to help.
Our first meeting is September 11. We considered canceling the meeting but ultimately decided that we could meet and still respect the tragic loss suffered by so many individuals and our country.
