One Hand to Receive, the Other to Give
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United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

One Hand to Receive, the Other to Give

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November 22, 2016

Written by Lindsey Muchka, Regional Application Engineer, Tailored Label Products, Inc. 

On my way in to the Women’s Job Seminar at ManpowerGroup Headquarters on November 10th, a large banner was displayed that stated, in short, that we are each given two hands, one to receive and the other to give. In the case of my experience that day, I can say that this was accurate. As a volunteer, I was ready, willing and able to assist others in resume development and general career advice. What I was less prepared for were the uplifting conversations, feeling of ultimate community and the selfless give-and-take that took place throughout the day.

The Butterfly Effect describes how one small action can create a domino effect of continual action, ultimately impacting the community around us and creating a more positive world. My hopes for the Women’s Job Seminar were that by sharing just a few hours of time, I would be able to positively impact the lives of others who could then continue the impact. I’m happy to know that my hours with both Tamela and Judy were insightful and inspiring. Seeing the undeniable drive to succeed and hunger to achieve in them reignited my own mission and desire to thrive not just in my professional life but in my personal life as well. To take just a portion of their motivation to better themselves and apply it to each of our lives would light a fire of positivity throughout the community. 

A speaker at the seminar shared the following quote from Maya Angelou: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Walking away from ManpowerGroup that day, this quote stuck firmly in my mind. Its not so much the layouts and formatting of a resume or the “say this, not that” of interview training, but rather the ability to build confidence, show support and spread excitement in a group of women looking to better themselves, their families and their community. I left that day with those same feelings, a contagious happiness and the ultimate hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Feeling inspired? Volunteer with United Way to make an impact on your community or take our Make Your Moment quiz to find out what type of volunteer you are and to have custom opportunities delivered to your inbox. 

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