Remember that girl in class who knew everything? The one who would shoot her hand up in the air, waving it like she didn't care, begging the teacher to call on her? Remember the teacher trying to look anywhere else in the room to find someone, anyone other than this girl to give the answer?

Well, I've finally decided to call on that annoying girl, and you know what, she had the answer all along. Damn her! See, I've been searching for my "calling" in life. Asking close friends what I'm uniquely good at, sifting through ye olde memory banks to remember where I was happiest and most challenged. Everything kept coming back to the type of friend I am. AUGH! I can see the resume now:

Amanda Nicole Yost. 30 years old. Loyal, passionate and empathetic friend. Please hire me!

Pretty pathetic, eh? That's what I've thought for so long, until recently. Instead of having one annoying hand-waving answer machine in my line of sight, I've had multitudes over the years. When people have described me, they never express what I consider to be a bankable skill. I'd listen politely (sometimes) and always respond with, "great, but how can i get PAID for this?".

What I love most with my friends is hearing their stories. Whether it be the day-to-day stories of what happened at work, or the memories of childhood, or perhaps the more philosophical questions of life, I love it all! I also love being a voice for others when they either don't know how to share their story or are in a place where they simply can't. If you know me, you know I'm your biggest cheerleader. Time to start cheering for those who currently are sidelined with no cheering section to keep them going.

Those multitudes of hands shooting up in the air, begging to be called on, have finally been put to rest. I get it friends. At least I get it for the moment. I want to hear people's stories from around the world and, when possible, share them with whoever will listen. I really have no clue how to do this yet. None. Zippo. But I'll learn and I'll grow. I'm ready to take the leap out of the nest. Let's hope these wildly flapping wings will catch a gust of wind!