I was not always this assured of my destiny. I began my higher education at Gonzaga University, intending to complete a BA in Psychology. It was not until my third year at the University's sister campus in Florence, Italy that I entered into my first library job. I was a student assistant at the tiny academic library when I first tasted the satisfaction of helping to get my fellow students the information and resources they needed. Soon after graduation, I began working for my hometown's public library. It was at this public library that I truly discovered my calling.
Public librarianship combines all of my passions in a single vocation. I am able to be in a profession that constantly demands I give all the creativity, interest and innovation I am able. Public libraries in particular I see as exciting centers of the community, where all members are free to come and learn or simply spend valuable leisure time. When I am working in a library, I feel like I am truly serving the community. Practicing librarianship is also exciting simply because we have to keep up with our users, so I can continue to satisfy my own insatiable curiosity while helping others at the same time. During my graduate studies, I have been able to experience this further by interning at King County Library System and working at one of the University of Washington's branch libraries.
In order to survive, libraries are openly embracing 21st century technology. I could not be more excited for the future. One of my colleagues once commented that libraries are always changing and must ride the wave of innovation, as that is what our patrons expect and deserve from us. I see only possibilities ahead - possibilities to further serve and improve life in our communities.
