Thread by @Cande313

A thread: Today the fall '19 cohort of @Poynter's Leadership Academy for Women in Digital Media was announced. A big congratulations to this dynamic group of women. Welcome to The Cohort! poynter.org/news-release/2…

I am sharing this story and hoping someone sees it, recognizes themselves, and gets to work because you are: GOOD ENOUGH.

I was part of the March '18 cohort, but I almost wasn't because I was SURE that I wasn't good enough for the program. In my mind, I wasn't from the" right pedigree" of journalism. My mind sometimes is a silly place as detailed below:

I didn't major in journalism, I went to a not so popular state school, I hadn't spent my career traversing newsrooms. I was a platypus (shoutout to @acnatta for sharing his story at #ONA19).

The past attendees had big titles, at large or well-known properties, and I talked myself out of applying. I ignored the folks with similar backgrounds to mine. They were still somehow in my mind a better fit. I was letting silly things like brands and titles hinder my growth.

Thankfully @MSrbinovich and @candorblue sat at work with me the night the application was due, both convincing me to apply (and ensuring I did). At 11pm (app was due at 11:59pm) I hit submit.

That January I got word that I had been accepted.

In March I was off to Poynter for a week long-life changing program. I did not walk out as I had entered. I saw my skillsets, work, and talent more clearly and understood that they only worked when I worked them. I also understood how to fight to ensure they were valued.

I also left Poynter with a crew of women I could call on for career advice, support, and things I dare not write here (but they know). I had no clue how much my life would change after I left, but whew the road...

All the things I thought made me "not enough" are now among the list of things I count as my most significant assets. I see my professional self more clearly. I understand how to advocate for myself and how to ask for help when I don't know how.

Next month I am going back to Poynter as an instructor for the fall cohort of the program I didn't think I was good enough to apply for. So to November of '17 Candice I say, you have no clue how much you are ready for what is ahead.

I'd like to take this time to thank the instructors from my cohort who played an indelible part in my journey at and since and Poynter @katiehawk @millie @kristenhare @LisaFranceCNN @kainazamaria and of course @kellymcb.