by Kelli Bowen
I hear something knocking…
I currently work for the region’s largest independent seed company as the Logistics Coordinator, or should I say, I did work for the region’s largest independent seed company.
You see, last Friday was my last day.
In an unforeseen turn of events, I have found myself in a position to seize an opportunity. This is the kind of opportunity that I believe if I don’t take, I will think about what could have been, which made this opportunity too good for me to pass.
Now, I believe opportunities are all around us, closing doors-opening windows and such. A mistake is an opportunity to learn. Something uncomfortable is an opportunity to grow. Some of the best stories come from taking opportunities when they’re presented.
I was online with an unredeemed voucher trying to plan my family’s annual trip to Medora. In my youth, I spent a couple of summers working there, and now with Hubby and our children, we vacation on the other side of the state at least once a year.
I wondered if they still hired gobs of teens like they did when I was there, so I clicked the “careers” link. I saw all of the seasonal jobs, plus a year-round full-time position. As I clicked on it, I read the description and what they were looking for in a candidate, and said “Hubby, I think they’re looking for me.” He looked online and said, “Sure does. Reach out. Doesn’t hurt anything.”
After a couple phone calls, a Zoom interview, and a multi-hour, in-person panel interview, complete with an off-roading tour, I was presented an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.
So, I said goodbye to some of my favorite people who don’t live in my house. These people who I shared my days with “solving the world’s problems one soybean at a time,” the people who lifted my family up when our garage burnt to the ground and again when Miss A spent three days in the hospital with a head injury. We went through Covid together, and holidays, and blizzards, and crud markets, and regular old Tuesdays. Our kids have gone to camp together, we’ve entertained each other in our homes, and helped us move houses.
I am leaving them and opting for my favorite people who do live in my house. Once Miss E and Miss A wrap up school, Hubby and I will move our household to the other side of the state.
I have traded in the region’s largest independent seed company for North Dakota’s largest tourism destination.
The girls are JACKED. Hubby is excited. I am a mixture of enthusiasm and anxiety that I have told myself can only lead to great things. And the best part according to Miss E: "We get yard chickens."
So if anyone has a lead on Silkie chicks, I’ll be over here tearfully, but excitedly, breathing into a paper bag, while pouring myself another bulldog. When I heard opportunity knocking, I answered and took the door off the hinges.
Editor's note: We'd like to congratulate Kelli on her new position, and in the spirit of celebrating her new position, share links to some of her Medora memories.
Kelli's top five Nodak spots for summer