Regional Directorship takes dedication, hard work
The Report: January 1999 vol.19 num.5
by JACKIE SPAIN
About two years ago I was in the process of deciding whether I had theright skill set ... and indeed the determination, motivation and conviction ... tohold the position of HSA Regional Director for Region 9 (Kootenays).
I was also at the point that I knew it was time to embark on a new lifepath. I was ready to experience the learning and increased challenge that comes when youadvance on one of lifes adventures.
I knew of the long meetings and had surmised the difficulty of dealingwith the major decisions that are made at the Board of Directors table.
I understood the structure of the board with the 10 Regional Directorsled by an ever-competent Cindy Stewart, with the support of the HSA staff. I knew thateach of the Directors was expected to chair or sit on an HSA committee. These positionsare determined at the June Directors meeting in a democratic process conducted byand among the Regional Directors.
I fully expected that I would have to speak in public, a thought thatevoked the feelings that I had only felt on speech day in English class. At my firstAnnual Convention as Director I bolded my name in red on my papers because I had thishorrible feeling I would forget who I was.
I wanted to jump this hurdle and I did. The position of Director hasgiven me all the things I expected it to and so much more, both positive and negative. Ifound out very quickly that it takes courage to stand by your convictions. At the Boardtable each decision is discussed in great depth and there is plenty of vigorous debate.With the number of able minds, the breadth of experience and expertise, we strive to makethe best decision for the organization as a whole. At the conclusion of Board meetings Ihave been both elated and disappointed. A wimp you say? No, just an ego growing up.
I have discovered ways to keep balance in my life and the lives of mychildren. Good organizational skills have been my salvation.
Sometimes, it is difficult dealing with the disconnection from my workplace as I move between two very different work environments. I am thankful for my 20years experience in the laboratory as this makes returning to work easier. I havealso received wonderful support from my colleagues at work and HSA members throughoutRegion 9. It is hard work, with many hours spent on the computer, on the road, and atmeetings.
The Directors and some Members-at-Large who spend a good amount of timeaway from home start to live their lives in a cocoon state, sometimes devoid of friendsand with limited social activity outside of the close ties that develop between those ofus doing similar work.
As the Region 9 Director I find myself spending many hours travelling.At first I was lonesome but I have met many interesting people along the way, and I havecompletely bonded with my car, having driven many kilometres on HSA business.
Each time I leave my home I gain a new experience in the university oflife. It is a challenge and commitment only akin to the time when I made up my mind toreturn to high school and have a career, after having left both school and home at thetender age of 16.
I love this work, and have found I thrive on the challenges. I believein what I am doing and the reasons for which I am doing it. The lessons have been tough,but so is the big world. And the teachers are first class.
Jackie Spain represents Region 9 onHSAs Board of Directors.