From Struggle to Strength: How One Department Became a Family
A Story of Leadership, Loyalty, and the People Who Make It Worth Staying
When I first stepped into the department I now supervise, the environment was—well, let’s just say it wasn’t exactly thriving. It was tense. Morale was low. And honestly, I reached a point where I seriously considered taking a pay cut just to escape it. But there was something—someone—that kept tugging at me to stay. Not just one person, actually, but the whole team. I felt a pull, a responsibility, maybe even a calling, to be there for them. To protect them, support them, and maybe help shape something better.
Looking back now, I’m grateful I stayed.
Because what we’ve built here isn’t just a functioning department—it’s a family. A quirky, hardworking, hilarious, and deeply human family made up of people I genuinely admire.
Let me introduce you to them.
There’s Special K—the heartbeat of our celebrations. She brings the joy, the laughter, the decorations, and the cake. Birthdays? Covered. Office parties? Nailed. If you’re down, she’ll lift you up. That’s why we call her “Special.”
Then there’s Mrs. D, one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met. She greets me each morning with a silent nod and a smile—a daily ritual that makes me laugh inside every time. She’s consistent, curious, and dependable.
Ms. J is our “yes” woman. No matter what you ask her to do, she steps up without complaint. She’s steady. Reliable. Humble. She just gets it done.
Ms. J (the health nut) keeps us all in check—constantly bringing in tips about clean eating and side-eyeing our donuts. She's the wellness conscience of the group.
Mrs. S feels like the department’s mom. She’s warm and nurturing, with a kindness that puts people at ease. But don’t be fooled—there’s a quiet strength in her you don’t want to mess with.
Ms. I is our walking encyclopedia. Got a question? She’s got the answer—usually before you finish asking it.
Ms. N is focused in a way I admire deeply. Her work ethic is next level. Honestly, if I had just 10% of her laser focus, I’d be unstoppable.
Mr. O—well, I sometimes put him in a headlock until he taps out. It’s all love. He brings levity and brotherly energy to our group.
Ms. S (the NorCal transplant) had the courage to uproot her life and start fresh in Southern California. Watching her confidence grow has been one of the highlights of my time here.
Ms. K reminds me of my daughter. She’s got this dry humor where you can’t tell if she’s joking—until you catch her smile. It’s gold every time.
Ms. T is another powerhouse. Always asking questions, always up for a challenge, and never backs down from a task.
Ms. D (the explorer) brings a spirit of adventure. She’s always looking for something new to try or learn, and I love that curiosity.
Ms. JJ is about to be married—and if her ring doesn’t give it away, her excitement does. I joke with her about her walk being lopsided because of that rock on her finger.
And then there’s Mr. J, my peer. When he came to the department, he didn’t know the case type. But that didn’t stop him. He studied. He asked questions. He got better. He’s reliable, humble, and I’d gladly take him with me to any department I go to.
Application: Sometimes the Gift Is on the Other Side of the Grind
This story isn’t just about the people I work with—though they’re remarkable. It’s about choosing to stay when everything in you wants to leave. It’s about seeing past a rough start and imagining what could be built if you gave it time.
The truth is, sometimes we just have to suffer a little. Growth rarely happens in comfort. But stick around long enough, and you just might witness something beautiful take shape.
So whatever you’re going through—whether at work, home, or in life—don’t rush to escape. Pray. Reflect. Stay a little longer. The joy might just be waiting on the other side of your perseverance.