Memoir | Street Smarts | Part V of VI

Looking back on my life in retirement, I fondly recall the time I was offered a permanent role as a globe traveler for the government.

Between 1997 and 1999, I was reassigned for two years to work as a global traveler after a sack exploded on me in the U.S. Department of Prominence’s mailroom. A month before the assignment was about to end, my supervisor, Mr. Hertzberg, proposed making this a permanent position for me. I respectfully declined the offer, realizing that two years of continuous travel had quenched my thirst for adventure.

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After two years of traveling the world, I found myself yearning for the stability of a routine and a traditional nine-to-five job.

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Curious about the job offer, I couldn’t resist asking my supervisor, Mr. Hertzberg, why they decided to offer me a permanent position. He explained that this exciting opportunity stemmed from my detailed trip reports, thorough debriefings, contacting him via telephone calls at all hours of the day and night for his guidance, and my knack for navigating and resolving intricate and perilous situations while journeying solo.

Hertzberg’s ultimate response was truly remarkable!

Can you guess what he said?

I’ll give you a moment…

Mr. Hertzberg acknowledged that I possessed the essential “street smarts” required to effectively maneuver and handle difficult situations on behalf of the government!

I was on the verge of fainting when he made that statement because I used to condemn myself for coming from the housing projects. However, it dawned on me that those challenging life experiences in the housing projects were the very things that have equipped me for this job!

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Following two years of global travel representing the government, I discovered that my upbringing in the housing projects does not determine my worth, identity, or value.

Receiving a permanent position offer to be a global traveler within the government made me feel truly appreciated and acknowledged!

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(Copyright © 2025 by Mia Z. Edwards. All rights reserved.)