Tags
accomplishments, daughter, Diana Schwenk, dignity, family, Hump Day Chronicles, integrity, mission, passion, proud, Purpose, Single parent, vision
Michaela, 8 months old, playing piano at Oma and Opa’s house
That’s what she asked me when she called on Monday.
What are you most proud of…what is your greatest accomplishment?
Rebecca was calling me in response to a short-term job I had applied for. Something that I might enjoy doing and would allow me to make some extra cash.
The phone interview was the first screening.
What AM I most proud of, I wondered.
So used to being at the other end of an interview – being the one asking the questions.
So used to selling a cause and not necessarily selling myself.
My mind went straight to my professional accomplishments:
- my work on the GNA committee
- the 90-day plan I developed to win people over so that they no longer feared affordable housing for the homeless in the downtown core
- helping that other small non-profit get a better understanding of their fund development history and working with them to develop strategies to move forward.
And other such things…
No. That’s not what Rebecca was looking for, so she rephrased the question. What are you passionate about?
“Well I guess I’m most passionate about being true to myself,” I began. “Of standing up for what I believe, even when I have to stand alone.
I’m proud of raising my daughter as a single parent. And intentionally not speaking ill of her dad while she was growing up – I’d seen too many times what kind of damage that does to children.
I’m proud that when I left a job I had loved for many years, that had turned ugly during a leadership change, I did it with my integrity and dignity intact.
I’m passionate about following my heart, even when I am afraid. And I am determined to ensure that my word is better than a signed contract.
~
So used to selling a cause and not necessarily selling myself…
Nevertheless, a valuable experience for me and a second interview is scheduled!
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
What are you most proud of? What is your greatest accomplishment? What are you passionate about?
talktodiana 
Beautiful post, Diana! What a meaningful question, a very VERY meaningful question.
Your answer was lovely and seems very true to the you I know from our blogging friendship. It’s one of the hardest things to sell ourselves, to articulate who we are and what we feel or are passionate about. The thing that immediately came to my mind regarding what I’m most proud of would be my willingness to change, to move, to shake, to go with it and come back around again. All of that. That’s me, and I love it.
Great post/question/thought-provoking stuff here – thanks so much for that! 🙂
~ Andrea ❤
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Yes Andrea, that’s totally you!
Diana xo
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Diana, you have got me thinking here… the difference between being proud and being passionate.
I do think one should allow ourselves to be proud of our academic and professional achievements; and to also be passionate about our academic and / or professional life.
As women, that tends to be beaten out of us.
Sorry, the feminist coming out in me 🙂
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Nothing to be sorry about Elizabeth!
Diana xo
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You have courage because you’re honest. Lovely post 🙂
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Wow. Thank you Mahesh – you made my day!
Diana xo
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🙂 take care!
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Those are good things to be proud of. Congratulations on recognizing them.
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Thank you so much!
Diana xo
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What I’m most proud of; is that, despite a lifetime of accumulated evidence to the contrary, I still believe that people, basically, want to be good.
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I love your heart and faith Tracy! ❤
Diana xo
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Notice–my revision of Anne Frank (she said it first; I only copied/revised her). She, at 14, believed that people basically ARE good. I, at 50-something, believe they basically WANT TO BE good. But, that aspiration (wanting to be good, as opposed to not caring about goodness), means everything, and gives me great hope.
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Tracy, I am intrigued by the subtle change of your mantra from Anne Frank! People WANT to be good (as opposed to ARE good). Does that mean, you feel they sometimes come up short?
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Oh, yes. I feel we almost always fall short of our aspirations. But, that’s why “forgiveness” and “mercy” are part of our vocabulary. We try, we fail, we try harder.
Our aspirations make us who we are.
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That’s so true. Thanks.
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I saw this, but couldn’t respond because I was traveling. I think this is one of your best posts. I am reminded of a phrase from the bible where someone asks which is the most important of the commandments and the answer is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind”.
Of course with my wandering mind, that let me to think – what have we ever loved whole-heartedly, or
said I loved as much as I could. That I think is something we can always do better at.
Oh – and one time while I was in the shower, I figured out a way to avoid over a million dollar spend for a company. I guess hot water makes one smarter 🙂
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and your neighbor as yourself!
You think this is one of my best posts? Thank you!
Yes love is all that really matters. It is the most powerful force in the world. ❤
I hope you were rewarded for your intellectual shower Bill. 😀
Diana xo
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Great post, I hope you got the job! I think women in particular aren’t very good at talking about their accomplishments whether personal or professional. Lately I’ve been saying that I’m really proud that I seem to have raised (with my husband) two sons who are good husbands and fathers. I’m proud of my professional accomplishments over the years, and of my daughter- a very independent, strong-willed young woman.
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Thanks Lisa!
Your list is wonderful as well. I didn’t raise a son but mothers I know who have sons, take great pride when their sons become good men and husbands.
Sounds like your daughter has a lot of mom in her!
Diana xo
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Hope it works out for you Diana. Living out those responses you have described is so much part of the essence of life and one’s work. Strength.
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Thanks Don – round 2 today! 😀
Diana xo
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Congrats on the 2nd interview, hope to see a post here soon saying you got the job!
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Thanks so much! You do what you can and then what will be, will be, right?
Diana xo
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Diana when I see my child do something kind for someone else I feel proud that they have listened to their Mum about kindness. I am passionate about many things but mostly I am passionate about people finding their passion and living a fulfilling life.
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Love your answer Kath – it is amazing to watch your own child live the values you taught them – it fills one’s heart. ❤
Diana xo
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It especially does Diana when one of them is on the Spectrum and things like that don’t come naturally. But he has learnt many things, mostly from his beautiful, caring and patient sister.
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I love what you stand for Diana! And if they have similar values you are a great match for them 🙂
If it feels right good luck! If it doesn’t feel right it doesn’t matter!
Val x
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Yes. Thank you for that reminder Val!
Diana xo
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First of all, as the only Canadian I know actually in Canada, my condolences for recent events east of you. Welcome to the (awful) club of those attacked by religious crazy people. Scary times!!
Secondly, I think I’m with you on two regards. My first thought about what I’m most proud of is my work. But on a personal note, I guess I’m most proud of trying — all my life — to “walk my talk” and always do the right thing (which isn’t always easy, and I don’t always succeed).
I realized recently, looking back on my life, that Sinatra’s song, “My Way,” could be one of my theme songs. I’m proud of that, too.
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Thanks Smitty, I’m just watching the latest news on the attack and my heart is so heavy.
I just heard the Prime Minister’s address. Scary stuff!
As for what you’re proud of, I can totally see that you walk your talk.
Diana xo
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What a bloody great post, I am glad I follow you
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Aww thanks Jo-Anne! ❤
Diana xo
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I am proud to know you, Diana.
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That feeling is mutual Ann!
Diana xo
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Wonderful post Diana and your gifts and achievements are something you should be very proud of. Walking through walls will be next ha! Good luck with your next interview. 😘
Karen
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haha thanks Karen, adding walking through walls to the to-do-list!
Diana xo
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Woo Hoo! Those are all AWESOME accomplishments and causes to he passionate about! I’m so happy for you that you got a second interview scheduled! 😀 Congratulations!
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Thank you Rachel! ❤
Diana xo
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Integrity and truth are the most valuable currency I can imagine. Like you, I am most proud of the times when I’ve stood on the mound of truth, even when I’ve stood alone. And of course, watching my kids mature into adults who have much to offer the world and who value honesty as well… Warms my heart!
(PS keep us posted on the job!!)
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That’s awesome Denise and I will definitely keep you posted!
Diana xo
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I am proud of finally to have grown into a confident woman, and be myself . I love your answers, you are great!
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I’m proud of you too Ute and thank you for your kind words!
Diana xo
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Great Post, Diana. The most important things in life are found in the heart.
-Alan
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Yes they are Alan!
Diana xo
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My software package… I designed it, developed it and am now promoting it… and it is unique in the world…. my own baby…
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As you should be bulldog!
Diana xo
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You’re inspiring, Diana! I absolutely love your answers…. 🙂 Hope you get the job!
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Thanks Kristi – means a lot coming from you!
Diana xo
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This is truly inspiring Diana! The question is a great one and I love your answer.
John
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Thank you John! It is often the hard things that give the greatest sense of accomplishment, don’t you think?
Diana xo
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Beautiful post, Diana. ❤
Selling oneself is part of shopping around a book as well. Writing a novel that I consider worthy is something I'm very proud of, but how my son and daughter turned out wins, hands down.
I hope you get the job!
Jennifer xo
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Thanks Jennifer and I so understand and agree with what you’re saying! ❤
Diana xo
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Yes, me too! NO second interview for you my friend.
Hugs.
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Thanks Louise – appreciate your love and encouragement!
Diana xo
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If I’m on the other end of the phone, there would be no second interview, Diana.
You’d be coming in to start your new short-term job on Monday, circumventing the need for round two of talks. All organizations need to spread that kind of passion and integrity within their walls.
And, humbly, I might add that I could answer that question in a quite similar manner here in Syracuse. Goodness, let me take back the qualifier humbly. We must sell ourselves in this job climate, mustn’t we? Good luck in the next layer, my friend. 🙂
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Thanks so much Mark! Yes take back the word humbly, as odd as it feels to do so! Thanks for your support Mark. ❤
Diana xo
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