By Julie Omer, MBA, CPA, CFO, MSBO Board President, Chief Financial Officer, Owosso Public Schools
When you hear the word “gifts,” what comes to mind? Is it a pretty wrapped box with a bow? Perhaps a plain brown package with an Amazon smile on it? It would be quite unusual if we didn’t enjoy these types of gifts. What makes the biggest difference in our lives and others is the intrinsic gifts that we give and receive that don’t have a price tag. Not a big revelation but easy to lose sight of in the craziness of life.
My mother, many years ago, gave me a book called Simple Abundance: A Day Book of Comfort and Joy. She is an amazing woman who, along with my equally amazing Dad, managed to raise 10 responsible, independent, reasonably intelligent (my other nine siblings are more intelligent than me hence the “reasonably” part), and spiritual (each in their own unique way) adults.
The purpose of the book, in my mother’s words, was to “give me a daily diet of vitamins for the spirit.” It is geared towards a daily introspection of being kind to yourself and focusing on the gifts (both physical and intrinsic) that you have vs. those that you do not have. The outcome of going through this exercise allowed me to start to really ponder what gifts I had to give to other people and those that had been given to me and brought meaning to my life.
I wish I could tell you that I have been diligent in “gifting” other people, but I would have to say that I have been more of a recipient than a giver. It has made me more aware and appreciative of my givers. Particularly those that have provided mentorship to me (even perhaps a figurative “kick in the pants”) when I needed it the most.
At the MSBO board meetings, we have had a lot of discussion regarding mentorship, giving back to the members through scholarships, and creating programs and services that give the “gift” of knowledge to those that are coming up in the school business profession. MSBO is an organization that is comprised of “givers” and “receivers.”
The role that we assume can change given the circumstances. The opportunity that we have daily is to make sure that we assess our “gift” inventory and make sure that we create enough of a balance that we are “feeding ourselves some vitamins” while giving some sustenance to others to help them grow and make a difference.
I hope you all know how appreciative I am that you have gifted me the opportunity to learn and grow as the MSBO president. You have made a difference in my life by bringing me abundance and joy.
Other Articles in this Newsletter
- Changing My Perspective – Brian Marcel
- Congratulations to MSBO Awards & Scholarship Recipients
- Don’t Miss Out on this Leadership Opportunity
- Get to Know the MSBO Board Candidates
- MSBO 84th Annual Conference & Exhibit Show – Update
- MSBO Business Manager Academy Provides Working Knowledge of School Finance
- MSBO Certification Classes and Professional Development On Demand
- MSBO Update – David Martell
- Still Time to Utilize Dynamic Budget Projections
- Welcome New Members