Just a quick thought this morning as I pack up for Waco and get ready to host the first National A Girl and A Gun Training conference. I have been a student, a competitor, and volunteer safety officer at many events over the last few years. I have reviewed my participation at each level and have gained a completely different perspective, now that I am the event organizer.
Being a student,participant, competitor... Whatever fits... I had high expectations for the experience because of the investment I was making. a few times easily disappointed, others extremely satisfied, but always won over in the end with a praise from the instructor, nice goodie bag or prize at a match
Being a staff member at major matches I watched and learned. Mostly baffled by how these big events all come together, I took any nugget I could because I knew that someday I wanted to be the girl in charge...
Well today is that day. I am the head girl in charge. I appreciate now more than ever what a match directors job is, how instructors produce top quality training programs and just how critical I have been as a participant/staff all these years. So on behalf of every instructor and match director out there, this is my request to those of you taking classes or shooting matches across the country... Know that your experience and satisfaction is our top priority. Understand that hundreds of hours have been devoted to thinking of everything, and that even with the best planning shit happens and we deal with the best we can. Constructive feedback is always welcome be because we thrive on making the next experience bigger and better (type A personality involved here).
So my lesson for this season of my life.... It ain't as easy as ya thought now was it!
Go forth and enjoy the time you have set aside for the class or match, say a pray for those in charge.