PLP 08 Profile: Sarah Godlewski

Name: Sarah Godlewski       
Age: 26   
Born: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Current Digs: Arlington, Virginia
Occupation: Organizational Design Consultant
Favorite part about the job:  Working with a variety of people within an organization from the CEO to the entry-level employees.  I get an unique perspective that helps transform these organizations in a way that is beneficial to both groups as well as their stakeholders. 
Your first job ever? Teaching swimming lessons at the local YMCA.  I couldn’t wait to turn sixteen because I would earn money for something I love to do -swim!
Favorite book?  The Giving Tree.  Since the first time I read this book as a little girl to this very day the message still resonates—no matter where you are in your life (age, geography, etc.) there is always something you can give to others.
Favorite movie? A League of Their Own
Comfort food? Gummy Candy, Diet Coke, and Pretzels (not in any particular order)
What's in your car CD player right now? I have a couple of CDs in the good ol’ player--Gallaramy- a local country band and David Gray’s Greatest Hits
Next journey? Uganda you gotta!  I travel to Eastern Uganda with an organization called the Arlington Academy of Hope (AAH), and I am planning on traveling back to this summer.
Favorite Virginia vacation spot?  A secret swimming hole along the Appalachian Trail.  Sorry, I can’t share…it’s confidential.
First political memory?  My first political memory was running for Middle School Student Body President (yes, it’s a position).  It was after this experience when I knew I was hooked on politics for life.  
Best advice you ever got? As I was going through high school, college, and transitioning into the career world, my Dad would always revert back to one statement of advice: “failure is never fatal and success is never final.”  To this day, I still find these words applicable to my life.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why?   Senator Hillary Clinton:  As a young woman, I’ve watch Hillary Clinton since her years in the White House.  She has demonstrated the courage, ambition, and poise to become a prominent woman in today’s society.  Regardless of your political affiliations, you cannot refute the fact that she has broken the glass ceiling in the 21st century like no one before -paving the path for many women to follow.  I would love to spend an evening listening to her stories of how she overcame various challenges, lessons she has learned in her political career, and what her predictions are for the future of American politics. 
Describe a perfect day.  A perfect day is a sunny summer day where I have nothing planned.  I’m free to sleep in, have a cup of coffee and read the paper, go on a long afternoon run, and spend the evening with friends and family. 
One thing most people might be surprised to learn about you?  Although I love speaking to large groups of people, I still get butterflies.  It doesn’t matter how many times I speak in front of people, the feeling just doesn’t seem to go away.  
Ambition, political or otherwise?  I’ve always had a passion for helping people and my community.   I’ve been fortunate enough to serve others in need, my community, and my county through many various avenues.  I’ve been a volunteer, board member, and consultant, all of which have reinforced my desire to “leave something better behind.”  I will continue to serve my community selflessly, but exactly “how” I will do so in the future is to be determined.   As long  as I continue to act and make an impact, the “politics” and where I fit in the whole scheme of things will work its self out.  Whether I become a public servant, a volunteer, or an elected official, my passion to help others and make a positive difference will remain.