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Toastmasters - 2022 A Brand New Year of Possibilities
Jennifer Schmidt, EH2
Every New Year the calendar page turns, skills. Using one moment in my life, created an
giving us 365 days of possibility. New goals (or entire meeting that my club friends enjoyed. It
resolutions if you prefer) prompt us to consider also kept my Canva skills sharp and I learned
all aspects of our lives, including Toastmasters. more about club members.
In New Horizons Toastmasters Club, I have seen
comfort zones stretched and confidence grow. Embrace a Leadership Role – Club Officer
The things we learn and accomplish isn’t magic, and Other Leadership Positions
but feels that way as voices, ideas, and stories As Vice President of Public Relations for
resonate. What do you plan to accomplish this 2020-2021, I loved promoting New Horizons. I
year in Toastmasters? Here are some ideas to attended leadership meetings and learned more
consider: about our club as a voting member. In my role I
had the chance to shape the direction of a club
Be a Toastmaster—Fully Embrace a Meeting I love, and see it grow. I would recommend that
Theme to Try Something Different anyone who is considering running for an office,
Back in October, as Toastmaster of the week, to really consider the responsibility of embracing
I embraced the theme “Music That Inspires You.” the role while also making it their own.
Chosen because when I need music to inspire Even if you pass on club officer this year,
me, I often play “Queen of the Publication” by consider leading in other ways. For example, you
Olivia Newton-John. Back in my college days, could lead an open house, an event or even the
a friend said, “I think of you every time I play election committee to interview potential officer
this song,” and gave me a mixed tape with the candidates. Toastmasters has other opportunities
song on it. This was the spark that generated as well. I’ve seen some of our members become
the theme. Area Directors, such as Leela Seeber and Joe
In preparation, I designed several Facebook Harper. Dr. Gwendolyn Avington who won
posts, and challenged members to provide Rookie of the Year in 2021 also inspires me. Each
their favorite song hints so we could try to of these Toastmasters stretched themselves
guess their tune before the meeting. But you to reach the next level by saying
may wonder, “Why did she do all this for one “Yes” to leadership and their
meeting?” Because it was fun, and a fantastic way accomplishments are
to practice my public relations and engagement admirable.
34 ONE COMMUNITY
