Just a quick note to say that I got the job! Previously, I discussed the lead up to the interview for the Phoenix Management Internship (1, 2, 3).  I am so excited!

I remember a weekday evening in 2000 when I went to Phoenix City Hall for the first time.  I was there for a meeting to work on the report after the Youth Town Hall.  I remember that Debbie was there.  She was funny and welcoming, and it did not take long for her to recruit Greg and I into four years of service for the city of Phoenix.  Over those four years, I learned so much about local government, professional offices, and how to conduct myself in life.  To say that it was formative is to miss out on how much it meant to me on every level.

Now, ten years later, I have been selected for the Phoenix Management Internship.  It’s not a coincidence.  I don’t know why I have a passion for local government and public administration.  But it is something that is now in my blood, an inseparable part of who I am.  I owe credit for all of that to Debbie.

One of the best parts of this whole thing is that Cynthia, my fellow in the Marvin Andrews Fellowship and a dear friend, also got the job!  We have been talking about this position for a long time, maybe since the beginning of our fellowship two years ago.  We worked together (along with the other fellow for our year, Daniel) at the Alliance for Innovation during the 2008-2009 school year.  Now, a year later, the two of us will be working together again, albeit not directly together most of the time.  I am just so excited that we both got it!

I have to give credit for this to everyone in my life that taught me so much, gave me so many opportunities, and made me the person I am today.  My mother, of course, who has always been there for me.  Cheryl, who is always so supportive of me (and helped me pick out my suit, which definitely sealed the deal!)  My friends and other family have always supported me as well, and helped me relax and have fun along the way.  And among mentors, employers, and advisors, I cannot thank them enough.  My three recommendations, Debbie, Jon at SLHI, and Karen at the Alliance, especially have taught me so much.  My professors, in particular Joanna Lucio, Nan Ellin, Jim Svara, Marty Vanacour, Phil Potter, Lloyd Harrel, and so many more.  Outside mentors, like Jim McPherson.  Former interns, who had lunch with me and gave me great advice, Edith and Mayra.  My roomsie for alternating between leaving me alone and supporting me, depending on her sense of my mood.  And everyone else.

And to everyone else along the way, many of whom I did not mention, thank you.  I cannot believe that I am where I am today, and I did not do this alone.  Some days I feel like I didn’t do it at all, because all of you made it fun and so easy along the way.

Thank you, and I love you all!