By Ashley Brown, on June 26, 2013

Greeting Blogosphere!

Growing up, I used to joke that Ramblin’ Man was written about my dad. Highway 41 goes through Milwaukee, WI where he grew up and he had a penchant for moving every few years when I was a kid.  Although, to be clear, during his two-year stint in Georgia, I don’t believe he ever was a gambler.  Anyway, as I got older, I started to realize that I was more like my dad than I’d like to admit – plus, I can knock off Nashville from the lyric list.  Like my dad, sometimes ramblin’ is just my speed. And the best part of any travel – whether it’s a major move or a long weekend in some regional hotspot—is the people you meet along the way.  I have been fortunate to have met some incredible people who now live in incredible places.

So, you’re thinking, “Ashley, you’re doing it again. I have no idea how this deals with local government.”  Well, my internship has felt a little bit like the best parts of ramblin’.  I get to work on multiple projects in different departments within local government. Today, for example, I met with the Planning Director to discuss affordable housing and then I met with the Town Clerk to discuss microfilming public records.  Each person I meet and work with teaches me something new about the career possibilities in local government.  As someone who entered the MPA field a little unconventionally, this opportunity to explore my options will prove to be invaluable.  So, with that being said,  I am going to leave you with that famous Steve Jobs quote that was circulating recently during graduation season:

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”  -Steve Jobs.

What I’m learning is that there are too many options in Public Administration to settle. So thanks, Steve, I think I’ll be good.

Cheers,

Ashley

P.S. Ramblin’ Man is a fine song, but Blue Sky is my favorite Allman Brothers song, just for the record. And you know how I love records.