Linda Garton's Speech

Think of a decision that ended up changing your life. For me, the biggest decision was moving to a place of extreme heat, tall saguaros and many Republicans (just an observation). I’m talking about a place called Phoenix, Arizona. I moved in August of 2004 after graduating from college earlier that June. I decided to move to a place where I did not know a single person and didn’t know if I could make it on my own but I wanted to try. If I did not throw myself into this new situation, I may have never done it and would have never had one of most defining moments of my life.

Growing up I’ve always been a gradual learner and approached new experiences with caution. I wasn’t exactly a risk taker and missed out on fun opportunities as a kid. Over time and especially through college, my confidence grew as I started to say “yes” to new challenges and put myself out there. The trick I used was to jump right in before I could think too hard about it and scare myself out of it. There have been some fellow toastmasters talk who’ve mentioned this same strategy which is probably why many of us are here right now. 

By the time I graduated college, I was pretty happy and comfortable. I had a lot of confidence, a lot of friends but I absolutely had no idea what I wanted to do. Should I get a job? Should I travel?  I moved back home and updated my resume. My dad mentioned to me that he knew of an entry-level position as an IT Help Desk Technician.

I debated with my dad….But I don’t know anything about computers……they would train you. But I have a Film & Political Science degree .……it’s big on customer service, you’ll do great oh, yeah, and it’s based in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Phoenix? Phoenix..What do I know about Phoenix? It’s freaking hot, they have a great professional basketball team (Phoenix Suns), it’s freaking far from here, well 6 hours from Los Angeles, and it is way more inland than I’ve ever been.

I interviewed for the position and talked up my customer service experience at Blockbuster Video, yeah! It must have been effective because I was offered the position. Before I could think of all the reasons why this wasn’t a good idea, I said yes. I said yes to a new life. On other hand, I this was my chance to be financially independent from my family, yes to having my own place to myself…no more dealing with siblings or roommates!!!! 

I remember the weekend I moved in. My dad and I left super early from the Los Angeles area and headed East on the 10 freeway. We first arrived in Phoenix so I could buy a truck….because that sounded like the type of car I would need in the dessert. Then we set off for my new apartment by noon. The neighbors thought my dad and I were crazy moving in 114 degree heat and my apartment being on the second floor. After a few trips to Costco and the grocery store, I was mostly set by Saturday and my job started on a Monday. I remember when my dad left he had this look of guilt that said “I’m really worried about you”. I felt bad that he was so nervous for me so I acted strong and positive when we said goodbye and assured him I was totally good to go! Inside however, I had a sinking feeling that I made the wrong decision. 

The next few weeks were rough between learning at my first “corporate” job and learning my way around town. I never thought I could really get lonely since I liked the idea of solitude for a change but this was too much. I would go to the mall nearby to be around people. It’s funny that I still think the mall is a place of refuge and comfort. This was before the days of meetup.com and before FB took off. Although I was feeling insecure with my new surroundings, I also felt a lot of wonder and excitement. For example, I remember my first monsoon while running in a park.  You should know that a monsoon comes in hard and fast and leaves the same way. The evening went from partly cloudy to dark with black clouds, The wind picked up. There was  lightening and really loud thunder. All at once, the rain dropped and it was hard rain that felt like it was pelting you. I ran towards a park shelter and waited out the storm. I was completely drenched in less than 10 seconds. It was actually pretty amazing. After a few minutes, the storm was gone. I still think the Sonoran dessert is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. I still think the Sonoran dessert is one of the most beautiful landscapes.

Within a year, I made friends at work, start volunteering at various places and met my husband through work. By then, I felt like I had purpose, a network of friends and lots of possibility. Later, I would go on to move here to the PNW (where my husband is from) but it was a much easier move that time. Moving to Phoenix was a humbling time because all the discomfort and instability I went through. As with most changes, you come out more experienced and a little stronger. After all, everything you’ve always wanted is on the other side of fear.