I have waited all year for this event. And now I know why. The unconference, thus far, has been filled with undiscussions, with unsessions, and an unAnimal show. Unfortunately, the show had to be curtailed due to technical difficulties. However good that it started off with good intentions, the mastery of said technical difficulties, never came to fruition.

The track leaders chosen did just that, they led discussions fearlessly and with purposeful abandon. At last count, over double attendees from RecruitFest ’08 have graced the grass and lovely chairs of Trinity College where open conversations were seeded and brought to harvest. We were encouraged to speak our minds, to question authority, to dig into topics, to learn of foreshadowings and face-down a future of possible uncertainty.

Business cards were exchanged, handshakes and hugs were prevalent, and a reborn love for what we do: network has been evoked. Call me crazy but there is so much for us to learn that it cannot possibly be shared in one day or even ten. We are here to learn. And I don’t just mean RecruitFest.

How can it be that anyone gets to a place in their life where they no longer feel the need to read, to listen and hear, or to be that proverbial sponge that soaks up details and information? When we fail to take what we see or what is placed before us as a lesson, an opportunity for growth, then we are left with nothing other than a stagnating pool of residual specs, no need for development here.

Learning is the key to evolution. Growth is the result of friction. Do we not want to find that better way? Do we not need to stay on top of our game? The rules of that game are consistently changing. Can you afford to sit on the bench for one more inning? The replacement pitchers are lined up and the bull pen is full. Don’t miss your chance to start. Relievers are waiting to fill the void made by those that avoid friction, that avoid the curve, and wait for the ball to drop in their lap. Now is the time to stay warm, to check your stats and rethink your speed ball. It’s not just a game.



By rayannethorn