Page 20 - Voices-2021-05

I WAS THINKING . . .

Reflection

Emilie Taylor, DTM - Immediate Past District Director

In less than six weeks, I’ll be joining a cadre of to the 2021-2022 leadership team! You have my
Past District Directors/Governors (PDD/PDG). highest respect and admiration for wanting to
It has been six years of continued service as serve our District membership.

a member of the District Executive Committee The District election brought back memories
(DEC)—starting as an Area Director, then heading of my own experience when running as Club
a Division, three years in Trio service: first as Growth Director (CGD) in May of 2017. In my
a Club Growth Director, then Program Quality three years campaigning for a Trio position,

Director, and then District Director. Whew! this was the only office that was contested. This
Currently, I have been serving as the Immediate meant someone else was running for the same
Past District Director. Soon, this too will come position. By Protocol 9.0, we had to give a two-
to an end. I’m not sure what to make of it really. minute campaign speech before the voting

I will be a Past, Past District Director. . . commenced. It is the last song or performance
Has Emilie left the building? No, the Ghost before Council members vote! I remember that I
of Emilie Past will continue building—building hardly slept the night before. I campaigned even
lives. She will continue to serve in many ways, more the morning before the business meeting.

helping lives—enriching and sharing the good I shook as many hands as I could and remember
that Toastmasters has given her. I want you all saying “Hello, my name is Emilie Taylor, I am
to remember something. . . it is not where we are running for the office of Club Growth Director,
in a position, it is the position we take in helping I need your vote.”

others that makes a difference! Thus, wherever While this was happening, I was also flooded
you are in your journey, you can take others by with thoughts like: What if I lost this election?
the hands and lift them up. Know, too, that there What will I do? Where did I put the brown paper
are hands ready to lift you higher. That is really bag to put over my head? How will I face people?

the journey in Toastmasters! What does rhubarb pie taste like? Did I turn off
We elected a new set of District leaders at the tea pot? It was not a very comfortable place
the Annual District Council Business Meeting to be. Determined, I forged ahead regardless of
on May 15th. Congratulations and best wishes the anxiety, the pending outcome, still feeling

20 ONE COMMUNITY