“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
I want to have no regrets. After working for six years after college, I had done some amazing things few people have an opportunity to do. I'd worked on over 300 oil rigs, traveled from Alaska to Hawaii recruiting hundreds of engineers, and negotiated with the toughest of oilmen. But after all this "success" I woke up one day wondering where my life had gone. I realize now that furthering my career is only a part of my happiness; giving back to my community is another. To be truly successful, I want to take on the responsibility that comes with being an educated leader by volunteering my time to organizations like Dress for Success and Big Brothers & Sisters, organizations that show less fortunate people that success is possible and give them confidence and hope.

In the office, I want to work hard and play hard at the same time. While every day may not be easy, I want my employees to see the passion in our work, to see that in our tiny microcosm of the economy, our efforts do make a difference.

I ultimately want to be remembered—as a hard worker, a passionate person, a successful businesswoman, a loving wife and mother, one who gave others hope and made others smile. Life is too short not to laugh, not to smile. I want to look back in another six years and have no regrets.

— Cecily Kovatch