"It Only Takes One Light to Fill the Darkness"

Jennifer Hofmann - February 2002 Grad

When I walked into PES 5 years ago, I was whiny. I was miserable. Wallowing in a pit of confusion and self-pity, I had been sleepwalking through my first 28 years. I was completely unaware that my life had any significance or that I had the capacity to create anything beyond survival. My fears controlled my every move.

I left PES feeling baffled. I didn’t exactly understand what had happened, but I couldn’t wait to return and learn more. In Crossover, I awoke. Deeply moved, I stood tall before others and claimed my place in the world as a joyful, grateful and magnificent woman… with work to do. LifeWorks introduced me to some of the best ways to “do” the work. And I still craved more.

Without a doubt, Wings’ Internship Program had the most profound affect on my life. In addition to assisting with four consecutive LifeWorks groups, our team of twelve served as a real-life, hands-on application of Wings’ concepts. Over the course of a year, we handled conflict and joy, challenge and celebration. In this crucible of learning, the dear souls who shared this journey assisted me in transforming my life.

It is safe to say that without the lessons and experiences I’ve had at Wings, I would probably still be that same unhappy woman, just older. I would still have a strained relationship with my parents. I would still be settling for an unsatisfying relationship with my significant other. I would still feel isolated, numb, and powerless. I would still be thinking, “There must be more.”

Today, I’m confident in my ability to create and live my dreams. My business, my relationships, my service work, and even my hobbies are an expression of the values I’ve grown to understand and embrace. I am grateful to the staff and volunteers of Wings for their commitment, passion and service. They have taught me and remind me that it only takes one light to fill the darkness. And, like never before, I’m up to the challenge.