Finding My Voice, Helping Others Do the Same

By Amber Antus, a leader in the IIRON Student Network

Last year I graduated from North Park University with my degree in mathematics and a teaching certificate.  After I graduated I was unemployed for almost a year before I got a job at a store.  It surprised me that with my degree and certificate that I couldn’t find a job in one of the two fields.  If there were more teaching jobs available I might actually get to do what I wanted.

I have not let this stop me from trying to make a difference.  I went to training a year ago and it helped me realize that I have a voice and that many other people have the same issues that I have with the way society is being run.

At training I realized that I wanted to organize high school students.  When I was in high school I was afraid to let my voice be heard, and now I want to let high school students know that they can make a difference in society.  The only problem with this dream is that I do not have access to high school students and therefore have no way of helping them find their voice.

I have not, however, lost the will to organize; on the contrary I am adapting my skills to organize at the community college in my town.  I realized through the help of some friends that I have a strong base right in my own backyard.  This summer I am starting to build my leadership team at Oakton Community College and am aiming to have a base of at least 30 by the end of the year.

What I have learned through this whole process is that I can’t let my situation get me down and that I’ve got to keep moving forward.

Learn more about how IIRON’s Leadership Training can help you get clarity about your vision for your community and your life goals.  If you’re serious about making change, please consider attending IIRON”s next Leadership Training August 12-17, 2012.