GIS Day at TCCC

I did something that was way, WAY out of my comfort zone.

And you know what?

I survived.

In fact, I even enjoyed it.

My data analysis and GIS work journey has been a completely online and remote experience. As such, it has felt kind of like I exist in a bubble. So when I saw there was a GIS day event at the local community college, I decided to check it out. I expected maybe a dozen or so people to attend, but I arrived to a pretty full room, maybe about 50 people. Many of the attendees were college students getting their GIS degrees (I don't even think that was an option when I was in college). But many were also experienced professionals in the field as well. Many people who worked for the surrounding cities and Councils of Government. It was fascinating to see there are so many locals working with some of the same kinds of tools that I do. One of them was even also in telecom!

The speakers included Dr. Joseph Kerski, with advice for the GIS career; Tony Spicci, with information about the GISP and GISPE options; Kendra Mayes, with resume and cover letter advice; and Nicholas Willlette, with networking tips, volunteer opportunities, and networking success stories. Dr. Oda's LinkedIn Post has the information.

While I don't know that anything I heard was particularly new to me, it was nice to be in a room with like-minded people. To be reminded there are still people in the world who care about one another, about solving problems, about the planet. That the things I'm learning on my own are some of the same things others along this path are learning too. That I have the right mindset. I also really enjoyed learning there is a large and active GIS network in my area, and I look forward to hopefully joining/attending.

So, do something out of your comfort zone, you never know what you might find!