OK great…one more acronym! What is a “VLA” and is it really all that?!?!?

OK, so to put into words my experience with the Virginia Leadership Academy this past year is almost impossible. That’s quite a statement from me, as my fellow classmates will tell you! I am rarely without words, but tonight was an exception. I am member and soon to be graduate of the 2007 Leadership Academy. Tonight my class got together and went to a great little culinary treat in Williamsburg called “A Chef’s Kitchen”. It was great experience and one that I would encourage everyone to go to. You can get more information here: A Chef’s Kitchen. It’s after midnight and I am exhausted, but I gotta tell you about this!

During the course of the meal many of the classmates commented on how quite I was. I gave them my typical song and dance, joking around – but honestly…. I was somewhat saddened at the thought that my AMAZING year with these incredible and outstanding individuals was ending this week. It sounds so clichés to say what an indescribable and life altering experience VLA was for me. Last year at this time I was excited about the prospect of attending the four retreats, but had no comprehension of what it would really do for me. Still, after the end of the year, I have no idea why I was chosen for this important and honored opportunity to grow and learn – but I am eternally appreciative of the individuals who allowed me the chance to get to know them and to learn from them. Because I don’t wish to ruin it for everyone else, I will not tell you all the things that we did, but I will say that the “hype” is not hype. It is the truth….it is amazing, it is important, it is a life changing experience and it is humbling to know that I was part of this project.

I know that I will not miss the other 18 individuals that I have become a family to, as we’ll see each other regularly and talk as often as we have. But, it’s still a little solomn. To them I say thank you, as there aren’t any other words to use. It was a great adventure and I couldn’t have imagined enjoying it with a finer group.

To everyone else reading this blog – I am not one of these people who over inflate or build up something for the sake of doing so. You should strive to be part of a Virginia Leadership Academy class. Even if you don’t have ambitions to be VAR president one day, the information and experience you’ll have will help you in all other aspects of your life. If you have any ambition to grow more in your role as REALTOR®, a leader or just in general, I strongly encourage you to find someone with the VLA or “Leadership Academy” 2005, 2006 or 2007 ribbon on their name tag and ask them about the Academy.

To the class of 2008 – I envy you the year that you are going to have. I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

Matthew Rathbun, VLA 2007 Matthew@Century21.com