My feelings are just too strong to keep them a secret any longer. I love the ISA. It took me a while to realize this. There were many nights where I was too tired to go to a meeting, but I went anyways. There were reports that I didn’t want to do, but I did them anyways. There were opinions shared in meetings that worked me so up that I could feel my blood pressure rise during the discussion. I probably didn’t recognize it at the time, but I was passionate about this organization.
I was pretty green when I started. I didn’t know what I was signing up for when I was first asked to volunteer. That first Board meeting I sat in on before officially joining was a lot like a first date. Awkward conversation, not being sure if the others would accept me, and an occasional sip of a beverage to try to break an awkward silence. Would these Automation Professionals accept this green kid only a few years into a career as one of their own? Obviously, we all know there was a second date.
By the time my first Presidency came around (by the way, check out all of our Past Presidents here: International Society of Automation - St. Louis - Past Presidents (isastl.org)) the Section had backslid a bit. The financial crisis of 2008-09 had hit a lot of industry groups hard. Employers weren’t sponsoring their employees as much, vendors’ budgets were cut for programming, and we saw several Members find their way into new industries. Only having been really involved for a few years, I could have turned and walked away, but I didn’t. See, I was really starting to get stuff rolling professionally. At that time, one of the leaders at my employer recognized the impact my ISA involvement had on my career progression. I knew it was worth hanging around and seeing this through.
The times were tough, but at the end of my first term, we were back on solid ground. I stayed involved as Past President, offering guidance where I could. I assisted with everything from Programming to Education Outreach to Membership along the way. I just couldn’t quit the ISA.
It may sound crazy, but I do love the ISA. Not only have I honed leadership and management skills here, I’ve also learned a lot about emerging technology, met people from all around the world, spoke to students of all ages about Automation and STEM, and frankly just had a whole lot of fun doing it all.
Here’s the beautiful thing, the ISA is for anyone and everyone that has any interest in Automation. So, please won’t you share in the love of ISA with me this Valentine’s Day? Membership is more affordable than flowers, and the benefits of ISA will last you a lifetime. Won’t you please choo-choo-choose us?
Cheers!
Cory N. Kniepp
ISA St. Louis Section, President
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