09/23/2026
I remember the teacher who identified me as "a writer." It was Mrs. Kunz, my extraordinary 3rd grade teacher. She gave each student a different laminated picture and the instruction to write a story about it. Mine had a bald eagle flying through the mist and fog, seemingly rising above an impending thunderstorm. After she read my story, I remember how I felt with her encouragement and the possibilities that exist through writing.
That moment mattered because at 8 or 9, I knew I liked to write, but until someone who cared told me I could do more with that skill, I didn't know it. I kept writing. In journals. In classes. In internships. In contract work.
Today, when I'm asked what my work is at Development412, I say that I help people lead and communicate more effectively through coaching, creating, and consulting. This week has been filled with many hours spent creating (writing) resources for non-profit membership organizations to use in the growth and development of their people.
There isn't a laminated picture to inspire a story, but there are spoken missions, ideas, and purposes I get to see clearly in partnership with my clients and I'm really honored to be part of making their members stronger leaders empowered to give their best in communities just like Stuart, Nebraska where I had a great 3rd grade teacher.
When I graduated high school, that teacher gifted me the story back. Today, it's fun to think about serving others through writing and to remind myself to label the gifts I see others offering, just in case they haven't seen it for themselves yet.
