Hayley Platt appreciates Living Democracy lessons
When approached with the opportunity through Living Democracy to return to my hometown of Chatom, Alabama, for the summer, I jumped at the idea. I was excited to invest back into the town that had fed me (literally and figuratively) for so many years.
Little did I know this experience was going to push me out of my comfort zone so I could grow beyond what I ever thought possible.
My Living Democracy journey began long before returning home for the summer. The Jean O'Conner-Snyder Internship Program and Living Democracy devoted time in the months leading up to the beginning of our internship to teaching us the importance of civic engagement and that it only takes one person to make an impact.
Returning to Chatom, I was more than ready to get to work. I was excited to spend time with loved ones and revisit the Washington County Public Library (WCPL). As a former summer library worker, it was easy to fall back into a familiar rhythm. WCPL staff members dedicate themselves to improving the career readiness of student workers as well as helping students develop as people and just be themselves.
Although I was ready for the comforts of home, the thought of sitting down to interview a stranger or interacting with new people in a social setting made me nervous. However, it soon became my favorite thing. I learned that everyone has a story that needs to be shared, and I quickly fell in love with hearing people’s stories: who they were, what they do, where they come from.
These stories told me more about the people who live and work here and about the community as a whole. There is such a difference between knowing someone works to improve the community and hearing about all the projects they have underway or successful programs and ideas that helped build up the town.
Reaching out to others to find more information about my county helped me realize how much there was left to learn about the town that I have always called home. Not only have I learned more about the history of Washington County, but I feel like I have now participated as an adult citizen in the community that helped shape me, continuing the legacy of paying forward to help generations who come after me.
I want to thank the David Mathews Center for Civic Life and the Auburn University Living Democracy Program for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This experience has allowed me to break out of my comfort zone and expand what I thought was possible for myself. To Nan Fairley, Brittany Branyon, and Mark Wilson, thank you for guiding me through this internship and helping me to make the most of it, opening doors and expanding the possibilities of what I thought my future could look like. For that, I am so appreciative.
Thank you to the Washington County Public Library for always being a place to land. Whether it be little things such as conversations about our day or teaching me what a good employee looks like, each staff member left a positive impact on me in one way or another. I truly believe that I would not be where I am today if not for the library.
Thank you to the citizens of Chatom. The care shown for the town and its citizens is inspiring. On the occasions I get the chance to speak with someone about Chatom and our community, I can often see the love they have for our home through the way they speak about it. These are the people who have helped me find my voice this summer and poured into me all the wonderful experiences that have left a lasting impact on my life.
It was truly a privilege to be back in the community that has supported me for so long. The magic and momentum behind the workings of a small town can’t be attributed to just one person; it takes a community. To know that I, along with everyone else, can be a part of this growing community and contribute positively to a legacy of service still blows my mind to this day.
We have the power to speak up, change history, and make a difference. How will you use your voice for good?
Tags: Chatom
