By Devon Martin, Key Account Associate, Independent Distribution
Vermont is known for its Green Mountains, changing of the seasons, maple syrup, small-town home affection, and tenderness toward people. However, growing up in Vermont 10 minutes from the Canadian border inevitably makes you siloed. This is especially true for me being from a hometown with less than 500 people, Island Pond. The town is named Island Pond because there’s an island literally in the middle of the lake. The summers were great because of all the water activities; fishing, boating, swimming, etc. At the same time, it was difficult to realize what else was out there in our world when I was ultimately a “fish in the pond.” Simply put, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I wasn’t conveniently blessed with opportunities for exposure regarding different geographies, demographics, and especially culture. This all changed for me when I found National Life Group.
Becoming a teacher was always a goal of mine and I felt as if I was destined to become one. My developmental efforts, goals that were set, and choice of college were all based around getting involved in education. Helping people and spreading compassion has always been my ultimate passion. The rug was pulled out from underneath me when I realized I could not fulfill what I thought was my destiny. My fear regarding the cost of college prevented me from pursuing what I always wanted to do. The fear outweighed all other possible outcomes that I thought would have been advantageous to continue my path, or “swim.”
On my swim, I couldn’t help but feel as if I was at rock bottom because my plan was shattered, and I had no idea what to do next. However, as they say, when one door closes another one opens. It was shortly after this that my brother told me about National Life Group. Whenever you experience the culture at National Life Group, you truly understand when someone says that there is nothing else in the world like it. The story of the company, its mission, its people, and what it represents is so powerful. One amazing matter is that the company promotes unification. Working in numerous departments helps share knowledge and helps the company become more fortified. Moving around in departments gave me amazing firsthand experience.
Although my life was shifting in a different direction, my passion(s) did not change; if anything, they were enhanced. My passion still revolves around education because I feel we never stop learning and no one is ever “finished” with development. Life truly is about the journey and not necessarily the destination as there is not a finish line to success. My new passions, on top of education, would then come to fruition. This would include traveling, helping families, and trying to bring peace of mind to everyone I touch. Not only does National Life Group promote all of this, but they’re advocates for it. For example, the company helped me with furthering my education and I was able to obtain my Master’s in Business Administration. I make this statement to state how evident it is that the level of care the company has for its people and their promotion regarding development is not lacking. I’ve been able to meet amazing people, help families, and feel that I am making a difference with the ability to support our agents.
This leads me to talk about our company even further. One goal that we should all have in this world together is trying to make this a better place than when we came into it. This company is, without question, a mission driven company. We are all able to make a difference with families, individuals, and businesses just by doing what it is that we do. Being that we understand that yesterday’s home runs don’t win today’s games, we always find ourselves competing as a team and refuse to accept complacency. Our solutions ensure that people can enjoy their retirement, have their business protected, and can have the peace of mind knowing that their family is safe.
My hope and takeaway is that we realize what National Life Group has to offer. It is more than just a company because its purpose and culture go further than some people could ever imagine. If this company was able to help me in the ways that it has, and continues to do, there is no questioning what it can do for everyone else. For those that have doubts, question certain solutions or steps to take, I would encourage them to understand there is not a whole lot to gain when you live in your comfort zone. If anything, some of the best things happen when you live outside of that zone. Joining National Life Group and the journey we’re on is a decision that could change your life as well as many others; take it from a small fish in the pond.