Volume 98 - Spring 2008	Download

President's Report Turtle Moments by Cheryl Caskey, MA, CLS, CLSplH(NCA) President, Board of Directors

My story in this profession has reflected the turtle in many ways. By nature, I am introverted and shy. I was blessed with a mother, however, whose personality was 180° from mine and who pushed me to take risks and get out of my shell (stick my neck out or have a turtle moment). I also have a twin brother with whom I was competitive as we grew up-he challenged me to stick my neck out through that competition because I did not like losing to him. My mother and brother gave me tools early in my youth that have helped me feel I can stick my neck out as a clinical laboratory scientist.

When I entered the profession, males dominated the supervisory and administrative roles and even made more money in many labs doing the same jobs as females-because they had to support a family. I remember that being one of the first things that rankled me about the profession-that argument did not make sense to me as a single person trying to dig out of the bills I had when I graduated from college and started out on my own. As the only female taking call in our laboratory early in my career, I balked at being treated very differently from my male colleagues-I stuck my neck out and demanded equal treatment and I got it. I am impressed at myself and my turtle moments as I look back at those early lab days.

I got involved in the professional organization early in my career. I attended a particularly motivating session at one of my early national ASCLS meetings. At the invitation of the speaker, I went up after the session and volunteered to help that national committee. That was a pivotal point in my professional life; again, I look back at that moment and am amazed at what I did. Working with that national icon as a committee volunteer was another turtle moment for me (it happened because I stuck my neck out at that meeting).

My professional involvement gained momentum from that point and I have had the opportunity and pleasure ultimately of serving this profession in many capacities at the state, regional, and national levels. Sticking my neck out has paid off in many ways. I never thought I would be President of ASCLS or NAACLS, yet I have now had the opportunity to serve in both roles. I look back and remember the awe with which I viewed those who held those positions before me. Some younger colleagues could feel that way about me now. I find that hard to fathom, but it is an important reality check, I think.

Each of us influences others intentionally or unintentionally in this profession. Educators have great influence over students. Laboratory management has great influence over those they supervise. Professional organization volunteer leadership has influence over the membership.

I am proof you do not have to be an extrovert to be a successful leader-I think it must be a less scary journey for the extroverts, however! What made me willing to stick my neck out in this profession and for this profession starting early in my career despite my being an introvert? I think it was passion for the profession and wanting to help move it forward. I did not understand that at the time, but I did know it was energizing to be around others equally motivated to serve the profession through professional organization activities. How did I get this passion? I truly do not know, but I think my parents and their work ethic were major influences on me. I have always been motivated and have always enjoyed being challenged.

Colleagues who have not taken the opportunity to volunteer in some professional capacity do not know how much it enriches you professionally and personally. I think most of you who have volunteered will agree you get as much back, if not more, than you give to the profession as a volunteer. Volunteers are the face of NAACLS and professional organizations. EVERY volunteer role is important. Volunteering can make you stick your neck out at times-to experience turtle moments. It is a good thing when we think outside the box or get out of our comfort zone-we stretch ourselves and that usually produces some of our best professional life moments.

Each of you has a story and I encourage you to share that story. Share what you have learned and what you have gotten in return for volunteering your time. Share your journey on becoming a NAACLS or professional organization volunteer. Why am I challenging you to tell your story? Why did I share part of my own story? There are talented colleagues in the clinical laboratory science professions who may need to hear your story or my story before they are willing to stick their necks out and volunteer, too. Introverts like me often need to either have a passion about something or have to be convinced they are not just goldfish in the ocean before they will stick their necks out.

It is particularly important that we tell our stories to our young colleagues coming after us. We want them to understand why this profession needs them to stick their necks out for the profession and to help move it forward. They see those of us who have been around for a while and think there is no role for them. It is incumbent on each of us to not only be good role models for the profession, but to be good advocates, too. Remember we all have influence; make that influence count.

I am thankful for the lessons I learned as a shy teenager and was able to ultimately use as a professional. I am thankful for all the colleagues at work and in the profession who have taken the time to help and mentor me, to see something in this shy soul worth cultivating. Family, friends, and colleagues have given me the tools and encouragement I needed to stick my neck out-to have these turtle moments. We can all learn from the turtle. We can do things we might not think we were capable of doing if we seize opportunities. We can encourage and mentor others. We can be volunteers. We can be advocates for our profession. Behold the turtle...
 

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