This all began one day last fall when I checked my mail and the colorful flyer on the International Ambassador Program opportunity to go to the UK for a month was in my hand. I knew I could never do it, I could never leave for a month! I thought it was an incredible concept, I only wished I could be that person who was free enough to go for it. The flyer detailed the opportunity arranged between TILL, Inc. and Langdon Community in Manchester, UK to each have two employees participate in a month long work exchange program. Two staffers from TILL could win the ambassadorship to visit and work at programs serving people with disabilities in Manchester and London by submitting a series of essay questions. The winners would plan to gain and share information on the provision of services in the United States and England while exploring their objective to expand the knowledge base of the field of developmental disabilities. It all appealed to me- even the part about entering an essay contest.
I found that I was carrying that flyer with me everywhere, even though I knew I had no interest in doing the trip myself. I talked to a couple of encouraging friends about it over the next few weeks who really thought I should do it. I came to the point where I actually considered doing it and the great timing of the whole thing... and suddenly I wanted to go. I mean- I felt it in my belly- I really wanted to go! I set to work on my essay questions and submitted my application to the Professional Development Committee. At the time, it felt like I was waiting patiently for the news, now, it seems like it's all gone very quickly. December 1st the announcement came: Matt Guidi and I were chosen to represent TILL.
So now here we are- only one week to go before Matt and I begin our adventures and two staffers from the UK will come to work for TILL for the month and experience life in Boston!
More information about our agencies can be found at:
www.langdoncommunity.org.uk
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