After a tough Hustings and a week and a bit of campaigning for the new Law Society elected committee positions, on 17th March 2017, we found out the results. I skimmed through the post on Facebook with eager/nervous anticipation. My thought process was as follows (or something like it):
Okay, here we go. Opening the post. Clicking ‘read more’. OMG it could be me or Gabby, I don’t know who it is, I have no idea whose name is going to be there next to ‘Chairperson’. What is all this about an award? Oh, I was there so I don’t need to read any of that. Oh, look, there’s a picture with my face on it. Okay, yes, I was there, moving on. Skimming……AH HA! ELECTION RESULTS! Okay, this is it! This is the – oh, darn, I saw it. Okay so, that’s not my name, that says ‘Gabriella Ezeani’. Okay cool, so Gabby won the election! Gabby is going to be Chairperson next year! Cool. I’m good. No, I’m not. Yes, I am. I applied for Brand Manager, so that’s the next goal to focus on. Cool! Our manifestos were basically opposites and the people have spoken. I’m sad that I won’t be able to implement any of my ideas, but that’s okay. It is what it is. Okay, now let’s write a congratulatory status on Facebook!
It went something like that; I can’t remember my exact reaction because it happened so fast and I accidentally saw the result before I was ready and it was just all a blur. I had a hard time admitting to myself that I really was disappointed. I took a few days for it all to sink in, but I knew that getting over the loss would come with time. It was my first time campaigning and I lost, but the experience was incredible. I learned the basics in streamlining and branding a campaign and I discovered a little more of my aesthetic and style.
A lot of people had really kind words to say about me and my campaign. The only thing I was dreading was the sympathy messages. Those messages and those people that look at you with pity in their eyes and say, ‘Aw, I am so sorry’. Please, don’t do that! That’s the last thing anyone needs. I’m fine, and you giving me pity and sympathy is making me feel horrible. Thankfully, a majority of the messages I got started off with, ‘Congrats on running such a great campaign!’. Those were the kinds of positive messages that were needed at the time; they lifted me up and put one more smile on my face. A few people were unsure about messaging me, but I’m glad that they did in the end. It’s always nice to know you have a caring support system!
I’m not sure I really have a point to this blog post or some sort of message to leave you with, but in the end, this is a little bit of insight into my journey in being unsuccessful at something I really, really wanted. As much as I am writing this blog post with a tinge of sadness, it has really helped me sort out how I’ve been feeling about all of this. Admittedly, the first draft of this blog post was a little frustrated and a little more sad, but I’ve finally come to terms with it all. The committee next year is a strong one and I’m really excited to work with everyone on the team!
From day one, I’ve been treating this loss as a blessing in disguise. I now hold the position of Brand Manager of the Law Society 2017/18 and I couldn’t be more excited! As much as being Chairperson would’ve given me invaluable leadership experience and unparalleled personal growth, Brand Manager will allow me to develop my business-minded skill set, expand and refine my (minimal) marketing knowledge and strategy, build a portfolio, and most importantly, be creative. It worked out perfectly and I can’t wait to get started!
Subscribe to Lucie's posts
Lucie-
One of the many lovely things about you is how open you are. While being the sunshine in many people’s worlds, you still manage to be real and you share the less-than-sunny moments you endure. I’ve admired that about you from day one. That real-ness is makes you a good friend, an honest friend.
Your campaign was spectacular. You helped make the election what it was: one worth running in and learning about.
Congratulations on becoming Brand Manager! I can’t wait to see where you go with it – and where you go because of it.
Thank you so much for taking time out to read the post and for leaving me such a kind and thoughtful message, Em!! And thank you for being there to encourage me from the day my entire career path changed. You’ve been so supportive of every direction I’ve taken and I am forever grateful for that. Lots of love!