Archive for the ‘ Achievements ’ Category

Distinguishing a Club

Brain Food

After a year serving as a Club Coach, it finally appears that the club I am working with stands a shot of becoming distinguished this year. This means something amazing for me – distinguishing a club is my final achievement needed to obtain my ALS (Advanced Leader Silver) award. Combining this with my ACG (Advanced Communicator Gold) = DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster). Although this will be an incredible achievement for myself, I want it for them just as equally (possibly even more). Toastmasters International is SO much more than giving speeches: we communicate, we lead, we network, and we develop incredible friendships. My 3.5 years as a member of Toastmasters have been some of the most rewarding of my life.

ACG

Today marks an important milestone in my Toastmasters career: the completion of my ACG (Advanced Communicator Gold). Wow. Has it been 40 speeches already?

Real Life

It has been said that the best topics for speeches come from events derived from one’s real life and experiences. I find that my physical challenges are adding a certain slant to my speaking topics, and (as every cloud has a silver lining), actually providing me with fresh inspiration. “You Can if You Think You Can” is the subject of my table topics session today.

Area Council Meeting

I limped to my first Area Council meeting today. Glad to have made it!

Green Smoothies TOGO

TM-Smoothie

Off to Royal City Toastmasters

[UPDATE]: Today, at HNTM: I was the subject of a “Roast” and won table topics

[UPDATE]: Tonight, at SRTM: Elected as the upcoming club president

VP PR Elected

I have been elected VP Public Relations for the upcoming 2010-2011 year. This will be an exciting year of change, growth, and getting our name out there! Royal City Toastmasters will finally have a web site!

Area Governor Appointment

I have just been appointed Area 62 (Guelph) Governor for the upcoming 2010-2011 year. This will be an exciting year of change, growth, and inspiration!

Looking to the Future

I find myself looking to the future quite a bit. It’s not that I’m necessarily living there, but I believe it’s crucial to plan for it. Whether it’s a career goal, personal success milestone, or a romantic relationship, I think it’s important to have a sense of where it’s going, even if it’s not 100% defined at the current time.

At the moment, I’m rather focused on what the 2010-2011 year is going to look like for me – especially in terms of my Toastmasters involvement. I have 3 speeches scheduled this month, one at each club. Royal City is putting me in for an education session a month, starting in April. April is also club elections, and I am planning to run for President at Stone Road – I am also expecting my appointment to the Area Governor position for the following year. In June, I hand over my Treasurer role at High Noon. Starting July, I will be the Area Governor for Guelph, President of Stone Road (if voted in), and I will need to start thinking about my HPL (High Performance Leadership) project for the year of my AG appointment.

I am a bit intimidated by all of this. I’m not retired, nor do I have a wealthy husband to support me while I pursue my dreams. I say this very tongue-in-cheek :) However, what I do have is a strong work ethic, desire to succeed, and an endless supply of energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the success of everyone involved. I’ve already found an employment possibility that will allow me the flexibility and time to dedicate myself to my Toastmasters goals. I am occasionally concerned that all of my endeavors may pose an issue for my relationship in terms of time commitment, but I also strive for a balanced life and I know I will find the balance required so that everyone involved prospers through my dreams. Lofty goal, no. It’s simply a matter of having a strong sense of self, knowing what I want, and being aware that clear and honest communication is the way to bring it all together!

Without further adieu, I’m pleased to be stepping into the role of Timer at High Noon in Cambridge today. I haven’t done this “light” role in awhile and it will give me the chance to really focus on the speeches. I’m also thrilled to be submitting my paperwork (finally) to receive my CL (Competent Leader) and ACB (Advanced Communicator Bronze) awards. Today will be filled with success!