March Madness has always been a favorite time of year for me. I love staying up late with my family to watch the games, eating the appropriate-inappropriate snacks, and the Cinderella stories that always emerge. Of course, cheering on the Shockers is a given. Maybe, more than any of that, I love the human-interest stories of the players, coaches, families and fans. The importance of the legacy we inherit and we leave is always part of the culture and conversation.

This year more than most, that idea of legacy hits home to me. The numerous transitions we have all had this year are significant as we mark a year of COVID. This month, LaShonda Garnes, our first Community Development Manager, is leaving for a great new position at Fidelity Bank. We will miss her but are so grateful for the foundation she created as the first leader in that position and the legacy of her work.

In another first, we have had two graduate assistants hired for the first time by two former graduate assistants of the PPMC during my tenure. While there may not be the same coverage as March Madness, we all have the opportunity to build and support that legacy for the next generation in our professions and our community. That is important work to be done.

So, as you eat the queso and cheer on the Shockers, may you take a few minutes to celebrate and contemplate your own legacy and impact of your work. At the PPMC, we are cheering for you, too.