I Get It

By Wade Walcutt

I’m a parks and recreation professional and, yes, it is just like the TV show at times, especially at community meetings. Because we’re pros, we’re well aware of the great things we provide to communities and society. We’re also well aware of the opportunities we face when it comes to reduced resources, growing competition, and the ever-changing needs of residents. At times, it’s easy to get caught up in this quagmire and lose sight of why we do this job in the first place, and in our lowest of lows, we may even ask ourselves: “What do I get out of this?” I admit it, I’m guilty. I’ve been selfish, and have lost sight and/or perspective before. But recently I wrote a message to myself and thought it worth sharing to remind all of us of the benefits we provide and why we have the greatest job in the world. And to reinforce what we get out of it.

1.       I get to transform thought into energy and ideas into action, and do that with people who want to be engaged.
2.       I get to work with people who chose this field as a vehicle toward fulfillment, who share a common purpose, and who are committed to making a difference.
3.       I get to grow as a person through meeting people different from me—with different ideas and perspectives—and develop relationships regardless of demographics or socioeconomic status.
4.       I get to be a part of something bigger than myself or any one person.
5.       I get to change, literally and figuratively, the landscape of the community.
6.       I get to learn from the team I work with, and chart out a map for us to move people’s ideas, passions, happiness, wellness, and hopes to a reality they’ve only envisioned in their minds.
7.       I get to be inspired and moved to laughter or even tears by the team I work with and the community I serve.
8.       I get to build better lives.
9.       I get to build a better community.
10.    I get to C.A.R.E.
        a.       Create economic impact
        b.       Advance conservation
        c.        Rejuvenate health and wellness
        d.       Enhance quality of life.

A Week In The Life
As an illustration of why I have the best career in the world, I’ve had the opportunity in just one week to begin collaborative relationships with service providers in the community with similar missions. These new relationships will uncover new ways we can further each organization’s mission, vision, and values. It’s not about whose program is better, and it’s not about competition—it’s about zeroing in on a core purpose and how to do it without duplicating services or wasting resources to create a better community. One group provides a place of comfort, belonging, and inspiration to those who experience mental illness. I also had the opportunity to create a relationship with an organization that serves children and families for more than a century, with programs that promote the right of every child to a permanent, safe, and loving family.

To end the week, my team and I stopped at a school that serves students who have moderate to severe developmental delays and autism. Our visit had one vital objective—to play and have fun! Our team took on their students in a basketball game complete with a halftime show by other students. As I sat and watched the kids and adults interact and have fun, I was truly moved. I reflected on the week I had and what it is I get to do each day.

I’m lucky. I know my purpose. I get it. We’re all lucky to do what we do.

Wade Walcutt is the director for the Greensboro Parks and Recreation in Greensboro, N.C. Contact him at (336) 373-2559.