Pay it Forward

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I did not have a mentor during my first three years serving as Recreation Planner in Danville. What I learned during that time was through my own experiences. It was tough not having someone to ask questions and gain insight before taking that leap into the unknown.

Then being selected as the Director for the Chicago Ridge Park District, I wanted to be a part of every opportunity I could to grow my knowledge. I still did not have a mentor, but I had a team of young professionals in the same position as  myself – learning our trade, growing in the profession, creating new experiences  for  our communities, and depending on each other’s advice and support.

I was very lucky to be involved in this group, Ray Ochromowicz, Ed DeMarco, Pam Kos, Jeanine Wilcox, Debbie Dingerson, John Curran, Jeff Boubelik, and Ron Lorenzo. These individuals welcomed me into their professional circle (and eventually in a lifelong personal relationship) where I was exposed to their dedication, work ethic, professional commitment to learn and grow in the field.  These strong characteristics totally contributed to my professional development.  Along with the many educational opportunities we created on the Southside to our strong desire to be involved in IPRA, greatly added to my commitment to extend a helping hand to other professionals and to professionally approach a problem, solve the problem and not sit back and only criticize.

Then professionals like Fred Hall, Joe Schultz, Mick Pope, Kay Forest, Robin Hall, and Tom Richardson popped in to be on my team of mentors. They walked the talk. They showed me the art of valuing and trusting the opinions of others, and that educating oneself does not end at college.

Now in the "golden years" of my career, people like Chuck Szoke, John Hecker, Dean Bissias, and Dennis Flanagin continued to show me the value of learning all you can with the resources before you. I probably forgot a few members of my team of mentors but I am confident they know my appreciation for their input into my professional development.

My journey in parks and recreation has been unbelievable. If I had the opportunity to change anything-I would not. My team of mentors played a huge role in what I have been able to accomplish and give back in my career. Their knowledge, attention to detail, the constant promotion on the value being involved in IPRA, the never ending commitment to the advancement of our profession by being involved on the local, state and national level has guided me throughout my career.

The time is coming where I and others in my generation will be moving on to those retirement pastures. Like the song says, "...life is a circle..." as is our profession. My desire now is that young professionals have the same, if not better, opportunities I had with evolving in the parks and recreation profession. This is why it is important that all of us involved in IPRA contribute whatever dollars we can to the Foundation. The funds raised will support educational development for those who cannot afford the programs or workshops, be used to promote the value of parks & recreation as a profession, or some program that will benefit all in IPRA. Your donation is for growing your elected choice as a career...parks & recreation.

Quoting Albert Pines, "What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal." Pay it Forward is your opportunity to do something for others today and in the future.

-John Wilson, Director of Parks & Recreation, Lan-Oak Park District