What an Amazing Year

2010 was an amazing year. Here at Foundation for Early Learning we had many memorable moments—some big, some little, some extraordinary, and some wondrous in their ordinariness. 

As a team we welcomed several interns who graced us with their talent, personalities, and wit. Thank you Elana, Evette, Mary, Patrick, Shino, Inshik, Aisha, and Arigin. Through their good work, we were able to reach more people and take on some bold projects.

We also welcomed our tiniest team members; Naomi Elise Borgida was born in July to Program Officer Sarah Borgida. We also met baby Enzo who was born to our intern Shino. 

Here is a short collection of our favorite 2010 memories:

• Vaughnetta: Eric Liu making the ask at the luncheon, “not investing in early learning is stuuupppid.”
• Doug, Finance Manager: a successful audit and working with very collegial staff.
• Jessica, Development Manager: Our March 2010 luncheon--the panel was great!
• Erin, Program Associate: My favorite memory was meeting a senior citizen at one of our workshops. After I explained what we were doing he said: “That is good work. Humanity needs you to continue doing good work. Early years are important.”
• Sarah, Program Officer: My favorite memory was meeting my daughter for the first time. And hosting statewide Early Learning Community Fairs.
• Arigin, Intern: Joining the Foundation for Early Learning staff.
• Joel, Communications Manager: I enjoyed the luncheon and thought the panel format was great. Dr. Christakis’ comments on spending were the most memorable, ‘[spending in the] last six months of life, equal or more than first five years.’
• Jenna, Office Manager: My favorite Foundation for Early Learning memory is, after weeks and weeks of hot contention, Sarah decided to name her daughter Naomi and I love it!

We also asked ourselves the following, In 2010 I never thought I would…

• Vaughnetta: See the end of the 2010 legislative session.
• Doug: Ride the bus to work every day and learn the crazy metro system.
• Jessica: Own my own home--insane!
• Erin: Move into a split level house. I also never thought I would mistake plums for olives; as it turns out I’m an amateur fruit tree grower. 
• Sarah: Have two kids under age two or sleep through the night.
• Arigin: Help to coordinate the Grantmaker/Grantee Exchange with 104 people registered, but only 96 chairs.
• Joel: Achieve some of the distance and time running goals I had for myself.
• Jenna: Motorcycle 3,000 miles in 10 days; Seattle to Denver and back, every inch of it epic.

Looking forward in 2011 we want to…

• Vaughnetta: Spend more time in Eastern WA with our early learning partners. 
• Doug: Continue to support the Foundation’s growth and promote the Foundation’s growing positive influence in the early learning and larger community. 
• Jessica: In 2011, I want to see the libraries working with Reach Out and Read.
• Erin: Read more children’s books and eat more veggies. 
• Sarah: Get a good night's sleep. 
• Joel: Keep blogging, stay healthy and compete in some type of adventure race this summer.
• Arigin: Go skydiving! My goal is to jump off a plane in the summer blue sky!
• Jenna: I want to re-learn how to play the piano.