Fellow Analisa Sorrells Discusses the Importance of Gratitude
Who comes to mind when you think of your role models, heroes(ines), or mentors? When asked this question before the fellowship began, I gave a few cliche (but real) answers: my mom, Michelle Obama and Wonder Woman.
Now that the fellowship has come to a close, I can confidently say that the nine fellows that surrounded me each and every day have become my real-life heroines. Watching them pursue their passions to do good for others, balance a million tiny pressures at once, and offer continued support to one another is truly inspiring. Based on the stories I have heard about Jamie and the life she lived, I believe that this is exactly what an #ArmyofJamies looks like.
During the first week of the fellowship, we discussed the importance of gratitude. Taking the time to tell important people in your life what they have done for you and how much you appreciate them can actually bring you happiness. And if you don’t cry while watching this video on the power of gratitude, you are stronger than me.
One of my personal goals this summer was to slow down, take a look around and express gratitude to the incredible people in my life. So, I want to use this space to give a little shout-out to each of my co-fellows because they lift me up on my roughest days, inspire me to venture out of my comfort zone, and encourage me to be a better person.
Here’s to these real life Wonder Women:
- Misha, for your kind-hearted spirit that seeks to constantly help others. Whether it’s connecting me to your mentors or just lending a listening ear after a long day, I am so appreciative of your friendship.
- Daijah, for your continued optimism and positive spirit. Your laughter can brighten even my darkest days.
- Kristin, for always being bold enough to ask the hard-hitting questions, and for reminding us all to be a little kinder to ourselves, each other and the world around us. The world needs many, many more people like you.
- Tiffany Turner, for opening yourself up as a constant resource to the other fellows. You are incredibly open to feedback and input, a quality I admire in any leader.
- Alex, for bringing your vast personal experience as both an educator and mother-figure to the table, and for balancing a million tiny responsibilities with enormous poise.
- Alison, for being an incredibly thoughtful and intentional listener. Your ability to stay level-headed and always see the bigger picture is so important in this work.
- Tiffany Dixon, for having the courage to push the boundaries of your comfort zone and dream big. Your balance between confidence in your abilities and knowing when to ask for help is something I strive for.
- Cecilia, for speaking so eloquently about social justice issues. Your love for people, food, and the work you are doing shines through every time you share your story.
- Gizem, for diving into the fellowship head-first after joining the team a few weeks after the rest of us, and for offering a model example of balancing the numerous demands of work and family life.
My charge for you is to pick up your phone and call someone — a friend, a former teacher, a family member, a mentor — and express your gratitude for them. A little bit of love goes a long, long way.
