BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2022 visits Dale Hollow State Resort Park
By: Claudette Enriquez, BRIGHT Class of 2022
A pontoon ride to a restaurant on a dock, visiting several farms (one of them hosting curly-haired horses and alpacas), and getting to support local shops in downtown Burkesville. In the second session, the BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2022 gathered in Cumberland County for an opportunity to learn, discuss, and collaborate, once again, on how to improve their Eastern Kentucky counties.
The first day began with a discussion amongst members on how they took their recently learned lessons from the previous conference and applied them in the real-world setting. One of the members shared how he and several others from the BRIGHT class began to volunteer at a local soup kitchen. It was there that a heartfelt memory was made for him - one that brought him to tears while sharing his experience with the class. Several others shared how they have attempted to help those who were affected by this year’s severe flooding. Others shared how they applied their DiSC results to help improve their work environment.
The day continued with lessons from BRIGHT alums on their most recent successes. One reoccurring theme was HOW these successes were reached: that it takes several attempts, including failing, in order to reach a final goal.
The day ended by taking a pontoon ride to Sulfur Creek Marina where BRIGHT members were later stranded due to a thunderstorm. However, despite this small setback, members took the opportunity to spend the evening laughing, sharing stories, and getting to know each other better on a personal level. (It should be noted: No members were harmed during the thunderstorm)! HA
The second day of the conference centered around the theme of supporting local agriculture and revitalizing downtown areas to help improve economic growth. The day for BRIGHT members began with a visit to Jude Holler Farm, where they heard firsthand what a typical day is like for a local farmer. The day then followed with a serious discussion on the numerous regional resources that are available for each member to use to help improve their counties. The main focus for this discussion was centered around the recent historic flooding that occurred in Eastern Kentucky. This was a chance for current and former BRIGHT members to give advice on how to proceed and help those who were impacted. The day followed with a trip to downtown Burkesville where members had the opportunity to explore and support local shops. In the afternoon, members had the choice to either hike, cave crawl, or kayak to get to know the outdoors of Dale Hollow better. A bat was sighted during the cave crawling activity! In the evening, members took a trip to Hidden Cave Ranch Bed & Breakfast to learn more about the local farm and how the travel destination is helping further economic growth in the county. With a European-inspired dinner, members got a taste of another part of the world right here, in Kentucky.
The final day ended with an empowering discussion with Podcaster, Author, and Speaker: Beth Silvers. Silvers was not only able to deliver an invigorating and engaging conversation but was able to provide answers for several members on how to have difficult conversations in their workplace.
Though this three-day conference was packed with profound lessons, the memories and experiences shared among BRIGHT members is how great leaders will be created.
