The success of the journey is not determined by the destination, but by how much you enjoy the ride. – Sandy Prend

Right now, I am riding Amtrak’s southbound Pacific Surfliner somewhere near Vandenburg Air Force base. To my left rise gently rolling grass-covered hills. To my right, the blue-gray waters of the Pacific Ocean pound against rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. My destination is home, but the spectacular views that I currently experience make me wish that the journey would last a little longer. 

Such a wish sums up my feelings about the past year as your President. Last June, I set my goals that I wanted to accomplish. I challenged all of you to complete at least 25 philanthropy hours to earn your Raincross awards. Whether of not you reached that destination, I hope that you all appreciated the moments you were volunteering together. After all, giving of our time to the community while enjoying our time together as mothers and daughters is really what National Charity League, Inc. is all about. 

I also wanted to update our chapter documents. In July, I blithely told the board members that I wanted all of their input on changes by mid-August, so that the documents could be printed by September. Well, as you are all aware, the joke was on me! I thank you all for your patience at meetings this year as we slogged through all of the changes. It may not always have been fun, but it was often interesting! (And, I promise, we will have printed all of the new documents by September. It will just be one year late!)

Lastly, acting as your President has helped me become a better person. I challenged myself to change and grow. My inspiration sprung from the Ticktockers themselves, as I watched them begin as somewhat unsure seventh graders to confident, independent high school seniors. I would especially like to congratulate the mothers and daughters of the Ticktocker class of 2007. The Fashion Show and Senior Presents put on by this year’s class truly illustrates that you can have it all. You made the event the highlight of my presidency! 

My sincere thanks go out to all of the members of the Riverside Chapter. I know my journey this year was a success, because I absolutely loved the ride!