in MT.Net, Parks and Rec, Politics

Highlights of 2008: Raleigh Neighborhood College

One of the big highlights of 2008 was the 12 weeks I spent in the Raleigh Neighborhood College (RNC) program.

I found out about RNC one day from a flyer posted in my downtown office building. I called and found that because of the late date the class was already full. Fortunately, someone canceled and I got in.

Twelve weeks I spent time at Peace College and other area locations, hearing presentations from city staff about what the city does. Even better, I spend those wonderful weeks with a class full of outstanding citizens, from whom I learned as much as from the presenters. At the end of it all, my fellow classmates elected me valedictorian: an honor I deeply appreciated. I was sorry to see it end.

The RNC got me thinking that I could spend more time helping the city as a volunteer. It led me to seek appointment on the Raleigh Parks board and encouraged me to become a leader in my CAC. Both of these responsibilities take lots of time but have provided me exceptional exposure to some of Raleigh’s finest people.

I would be a very different person today had I not responded to that flyer. No doubt about it!