NOW hat the big holidays are behind us and the weather is becoming a little more predictable, I hope everyone is able to get out and enjoy your days. February and March have quite a few holidays that I never knew existed. These months lead with love, integrity, and the importance of service. Of course we have Valentine’s Day, Groundhog Day, Presidents’ Day, and St. Patrick’s Day. FWPA held its own Valentine Day meeting for students and new members to get to know the more seasoned members and be paired up with a mentor. It was a lot of fun and I think we all enjoyed getting to know the new members. We also worked at the Humane Society so I believe we have started out the year on the right foot.

February is also Black History Month. In looking up some quotes, I found one I felt applied to FWPA this year: “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations,” Dr. Mae Jemison. I think this goes well with trying to get new people to join FWPA and work on the Board. Without new thoughts, we will simply stagnate. So never be afraid to speak up and be heard. Audrey Hepburn once said, “Nothing is impossible; the word itself says ‘I’m possible.’”

March has quite a few unknown to me holidays such as International Women’s Day, National Day of Unplugging (a day to unplug from technology and focus on well-being), National Puppy and Kitten Day (March 23—I know we all like this one), and The International Day of Forests (held annually on March 21 to raise awareness of the importance of forests to people and their vital role in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability, and food security).

I'm proud of FWPA’s successes over the last year, particularly in providing more opportunities for meaningful engagement of our members and sponsors, introducing innovative programming formats and topics, and providing professional development and outreach opportunities.

I hope everyone has been getting out and celebrating Spring Break a little, soaks up some sunshine and Vitamin D, and gets recharged for the coming months. I look forward to visiting with you all.

FWPA President