Visiting with KECI Alumni has been a very rewarding experience. Many days have been spent in the 19 tobacco-dependent counties of Northeastern Kentucky and each day has been filled with a new experience. I found myself getting excited and wondering what the day would hold as I drove closer the community I would visit on a particular day.
From a farm setting, a school, a family-run business to an extension office, I felt welcomed by the Fellows and they were eager to share what KECI has meant to them, the lifelong friendships they have made and the work they have done with entrepreneurs and in their communities. They were also open to talk about areas of the program that can be strengthened and ways we can improve. Each graduate of the program is unique and shares their talents and experiences as they work one-on-one with entrepreneurs or in their communities. Changing the culture to create a friendlier environment for entrepreneurs takes time, but they seem genuinely committed.
The Fellows are proud of the mini-grant projects they have developed and several in the group want to expand some of the initiatives that were started. Working on a group project seems to be appealing to them if they are given the opportunity to work on their own area of interest rather than be given a committee assignment.
Many of the graduates would like to have more contact with other Fellows that they have made connections with over the last few years or during an alumni event, but due to their geographic location this is sometimes hard to do. They like the idea of alumni events and would like to have more time to get to know the other Fellows. Many of the 2005 and 2006 alumni have never met and would like a chance to network and learn from each other.
When asked about what they need to assist them in coaching, many answered “more time” because their schedules are already overloaded with work and family obligations.
Many Fellows that own businesses have had to take on more of the day-to-day responsibilities since the decline in the economy. Other Fellows have had to change jobs to support their families. All these situations leave the Fellows with less time to volunteer for KECI.
Life happens and we all must adjust to the changes that occur. One thing is certain, all the Fellows have a commitment to KECI, some stronger than others, but they continue to be an important part of their communities and in the lives of others.
I feel humbled to be considered “one” of this awesome group of people that care so much about making a difference in Northeastern Kentucky.
Melony Furby
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1 comment:
Melony, Thank you for your kind words. When I think about being a small part of such a great group, I also feel humbled. When I think of the power of this group we call fellows, I'm amazed. With our leadership from and support from UK, and with the intelligence and talents we as a group have there's nothing that we can't accomplished with time hard work and commitment. I'm exceptionally proud to be a KECI fellow.
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