Speaker: Ashley Miller, Manager, ADS Integration
Tell us about you: name, job role, and how long you have been at CereCore.
Ashley Miller: Hey guys, my name is Ashley Miller and I'm the manager of integrations for data solutions at CereCore. I have been at CereCore going on 11 years this December.
Describe the organization or non-profit you support and volunteer for.
Ashley Miller: So I was asked to talk a little bit about our Book'em program, which is with Haywood Elementary School in Nashville. Um Man, where do I start? What a great organization I have been with this, um nonprofit for going. This will be my third year and uh a few years ago, you know, it took a little convincing to get me to give it a shot because I thought, oh, I don't have time. I can't, you know, I can't take time out of my day on Fridays to, you know, out of my busy schedule. I've just taken a new role at CereCore and, um, just didn't think that I could make it work. But can I just tell you what a blessing it has been to me? Um You think you're gonna be a blessing to these kids? Let me just tell you, that's not usually the way it works. Um It's a wonderful organization. I have an amazing teacher. Uh Miss Grambling, this will be my third year paired with her. So very excited. She is a first grade teacher when I started the Book'em Program. Uh, my son was in first grade, so I was able to easily relate to the kids. And, um, like I said, third year going strong, um, I love it and I just want to encourage everybody to give it a shot.
How did you discover your passion for this charity/ non-profit/ volunteering opportunity? What made you turn your passion into action?
Ashley Miller: My passion for this program really came to light because I had young kids and I know that's not the situation for everybody, but that's where, uh, we read every night. And I thought, well, you know, why am I not doing this? This is just reading the kids five times a year Friday mornings. It can't be that hard. Am I, um, you know, am I embarrassed to read in front of people? Why am I not participating in this wonderful program? And, um, you know, I found out that again, I thought I was gonna be the blessing to these kids, which I know we are because they are just beside themselves to see anybody new in the classroom that wants to spend time with them. But it was such a blessing to me seeing that, um, how much it meant to them. Like I'm just reading you a couple of books. I do this with my kids every day. Um, but wow, just to see the impact that it made and the impact that it makes on the teachers, they get to look forward to this. And, um, it's such a small way that I think we can give back to our community. I mean, look at what my kids have given me. I've got this amazing best Ashley shirt. Um, they gave me this at the end of last year. Got these wonderful thank you cards. That was from my first year. This is from my second year. I mean, who doesn't want some of these? It's just amazing. And all I can say is if you're on the fence, please please give it a shot. Um, if it's not for you, you'll know after the first year, but I guarantee you won't be sad that you did it.
Finish one of these statements: "We are the link to life-saving care because…" or “I am a link to life-saving care because…” and smile
Ashley Miller: We are the link to life saving care because we make it a priority to give back to our communities.
