Time For a Change…
I have been blessed by the heavens like no other. From the
moment I could walk and talk I knew exactly what I wanted to do in life. My dad
instilled in me the love of the outdoors that became the essence of who I am.
For that reason, I breathe, eat, and live thinking about wildlife and Mother
Nature's glorious ways. Though knowing exactly what you want to do in life
seems like a trivial blessing, it is not, for it eliminates wander and waste of
time. Yet given my life's clear direction I have wasted more time than I ever
could justify. And for that, I am embarrassed.
You see, things have always come easy for me. My greatest achievements have more or less been handed to me. Lifelong friends have always teased me about my proverbial "silver spoon". One that I never did truly appreciate. Until now.
Looking back on my career I had major milestones that I
couldn't be more thankful for. Without a doubt they are a sense of pride but in
thoughtful reflection I deserved none of them. Take for example the start of my
career. I dove in head first working with black bears for a small nonprofit
just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Appalachian Bear
Center, in Townsend Tennessee, gave me my first break yet all I had in hand was
a piece of paper that said I studied wildlife biology for four years. I had a
scant bit of real-life wildlife experience, none of which was with bears. Go
figure. I am not sure why they hired me but I am forever grateful for the
Center for putting their blind faith in me, and blind is what it truly was.
Next came my opportunities with the Tennessee Wildlife
Resources Agency. You could say even my
initial hiring was a blessing. When I applied, there was a glitch with the
mandatory testing requirement so they had to accept my application as is, sans
the testing. I literally walked into the agency and was immediately hired on as
a Wildlife Manager. It's disheartening and somewhat embarrassing for me these
days advising recent college graduates that excelled throughout their schooling
yet can not even gain standing to be interviewed by the agency.
Next came my appointment as the Big Game Program Coordinator
where I oversaw the state's deer, bear and elk programs. I was offered that
position pretty much because no one else wanted it. In other words, there was a
lean talent pool. You could say I came in just at the right time. My limited
bear experience was just barely enough to tip scales and I was promoted to a
statewide program manager.
And if that wasn't enough, it was long after that I was
promoted to the Chief of Wildlife and Forestry for the state of Tennessee. This
was a complete and utter fluke. I put my name in the hat simply to gain
interview experience. My plan was to seriously consider that position in
another ten years after I gained quite a bit more experience. At the time of
the hiring, there were extremely well-qualified candidates. In fact, reading
the resumes, mine should have been the first one thrown in the trash. Instead,
the Director was looking for young blood. Someone who could talk to people and
lead the agency in a new direction. That was me. Needless to say it created a
lot of ill-will from a few that were passed over and I completely understand
their disappointment. It should have been them. Again, it was fortuitous timing
on my part but it was mostly the work of the "spoon".
With the Chief position my oversight then extended to
include all forms of wildlife whether it be furred or feathered. A daunting
task at first but I soon I realized I actually didn't have to do much, all I
had to do was let our incredible folks in the field do what they do best. And
they did it well. For the agency and the folks in the field, I am truly
grateful.
Needless to say, all throughout my career I kept finding
myself in a position I neither deserved nor imagined. And what did I do?
Nothing...I wasted my time. Don't get me wrong, I worked hard, and did what I
was supposed to do and I accomplished many "tasks". But unfortunately
that's all it was...tasks and hard work. Sometimes too hard even since it came
at the expense of my family. Unfortunately, long days often equates to missed
opportunities.
So why was all this hard work a waste of time? It is because
I never achieved my goal of making a difference. Making the natural world and
all it's inhabitants a better place. So what good then have I really done?
Most people in the world get up, do their job, and go home.
For them that is who they are and that is who they want to be. That is fine for
them. Unfortunately that is who I was...but it is not who I am.
I want to be the one responsible for change. Positive
change. Gandhi-like change but in an Aldo Leopold-esque fashion. Hell, I'd even
be happy to one day be likened to Roosevelt or Pinchot. For they not only left
their mark on the world, they left their mark on the lives of everyone who came
after them. And it isn't just my children and grand children but YOUR children
and grandchildren. They are touched by great men like that as well, often
unknowingly. That is of course if you ever step foot outside, especially in a
National Park or on other public lands.
Will I be successful?
That has yet to be determined. But one thing I know, if your reading
this, I'm that much further along in my quest to make a difference, for the
unspoken word is never heard.
Yeah...many folks believe I was born with a silver spoon in
my mouth, some even resent it. To me, it doesn't matter what anyone thinks. All
I know is it's about time I start putting that spoon to work.
It's time I make a difference.
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