How CRASH Changed My Perspective

September 13, 2022

I was able to attend the Iowa Credit Union Convention for the first time as a Crasher and it was one of the best experiences that I have ever had in my career! Being back to work has put a whole different perspective on my daily life after attending this event, and being able to influence others from attending CRASH is so much fun. I still remember asking my boss about CRASH, and if I should apply, and she was all for it. I was so excited but nervous at the same time. I am usually a very quiet and soft spoken person so I didn’t know how I was supposed to interact with other people. All of the different people from different walks of life coming together in one place and hearing each other's stories was so much fun! 

I started at Community 1^st Credit Union as a Part-Time Teller as a 19-year old freshman in college. I really didn’t have a clue what I really wanted to do with my life. I know for a fact when I started working at Community 1^st I did not see myself where I am today. Without the support system that I have with my family, friends, co-workers, and especially the leaders at our credit union, I don’t think I would be where I am today! I am so grateful for everybody that has seen the potential in me that sometimes I don’t see in myself.

Attending the Iowa Credit Union Convention as a Crasher has already changed my outlook in my daily work life just from the first couple of weeks. Attending this event has made me think more outside of the box with some ideas to try to make a positive difference in the credit union. Working with all of the facilitators and talking to some of the other Crashers helped out so much in learning more about the credit union industry at a state level.

One of the big things that I really enjoyed as a Crasher was being able to have the opportunity to volunteer at the Bidwell Riverside Center. Being able to help for a short period of time made such a large impact. Thinking more and more about it, that really is what we are all about. It really shows the example of the “people helping people” philosophy.

One of the major takeaways that I have learned from attending the Iowa Credit Union Convention is to not be afraid to get beyond your comfort zone! When you get pushed out of your comfort zone, the sky is the limit and that is what happened for me as a CRASHER!

 

---