04/03/2024
I love being a part of the Reno County community. It's so much easier to support and impact our community being surrounded by inspiring, passionate professionals of a similar age-range that also love their community, being involved and having fun.
I originally joined Young Professionals of Reno County because I wanted to meet more like-minded friends and get involved in the community. Despite being born and raised here in Hutchinson and coming back throughout my time at K-State University, most of my friends had moved out of the community and were busy-busy with their own careers. Besides my coworkers and clients, I felt isolated and detached. I had lost my extroverted, social-butterfly self.
It took me a few months to really get the courage to get involved because I was socially anxious, feeling self-conscious and trying to make a relationship work that couldn't. Fast forward about 6 months after joining, trying to rebuild myself back up, I took a leap with our YP Annual Brunch (absolutely great opportunity to check us out, this year will be even better with more yard games and other activities). I was WEL-COM-ED with wide open arms. Everyone was so nice, had so many good conversations and was encouraged to get more involved. No one actually hugged me, but it felt like I was mentally hugged with this kind of eventš¤£
Before I knew it, I started showing up to events and Service team volunteer opportunities, began hanging out with other members/friends outside of the events, became a chair for a team I knew little about that ended up being U-P my alley and I noticed more and more of what our community offers. It was a big turning point for my career and I. My only regret is not diving in sooner.
I believe ANYONE in our community that's under 40 can benefit from this organization, even if you don't join council or want to be apart of the teams. Whether you benefit professionally, socially, seeing more in our community, a resume add-on, etc. Don't wait to dive in.
