By Linda Lund, Fulda
It has been my honor to have served as the coordinator of the Nobles County Integration Collaborative (NCIC) for the past two years. I leave this position having made many great memories and lasting friendships. I have experienced a community of people who care deeply about making our area a safe place to live and raise their families and where hatred is overcome by a commitment to strive to be people of character and integrity.
As I stepped into the job, the State Legislature had just passed the re-funding of collaboratives across the state. The future was secure, and the budget had doubled in size. It was a perfect time to take over. We have implemented a number of exciting new programs that include academic enrichment from pre-K through high school as well as maintaining many of the proven programs from the past. The move to the campus of Minnesota West has also been an extremely positive experience.
Best of all have been the connections that have been made in the community. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the many faces of diversity and getting to know some of the nuances and the beauty of the cultures represented in southwest Minnesota. To me, that is one of the greatest strengths of our area and a wonderful, energizing force. I believe that we, as a whole, have done an excellent job of learning to live together peaceably. However, I long for the day when we truly integrate and intentionally choose to socialize with each other and get to know each other as neighbors. I think that day is on the horizon. The staff that serves at the Collaborative are the front-runners of this movement. Not only do they work together but they play together, too. It’s been my privilege to call them friends.
Thi Synavone has been selected as the next coordinator for the NCIC. Having served on the Collaborative Council for many years, she is very familiar with how the organization works and will do a fabulous job of continuing the tradition of excellence that has characterized the Nobles County Integration Collaborative since its inception. I hope that she receives the same warm reception and support that I have experienced.
