There we were, gathered at the Switch communal kitchen table: three new administrative coordinators. Much like the characters in John Hughes’ iconic film, The Breakfast Club, we were strangers with vastly different backgrounds trying to peacefully co-exist. Though its “OG” members first emerged thirty years ago (yes, 30!), The Breakfast Club has perpetuated the Brat Pack’s legacy, reminding new generations of the similarities we share behind limiting stereotypes. As the three new admins congregated and swapped casual conversation, we couldn’t help but form some stark parallels to the opening scenes at Shermer High School.

Carol, “The Brain,” came to Switch from a corporate background. A self-described introvert, Carol is finding the energy throughout Switch to be opening boundaries up and giving her a new approach at a new career.

And then there is Emily, channeling “The Criminal.”  By no means is she a criminal in the usual sense, but she is a rebel who’s not afraid to sport tattoos in the workplace and dares to go against the grain to set herself apart and find ways to make Switch even better.

Finally, we have Nicole – not perfectly akin to Allison Reynold’s “The Basketcase” or Claire Standish’s “The Princess,” but she could play either on stage. Coming from a theater and event background, Nicole is no stranger to detailed planning and activation of events and projects.

As administrative coordinators, we have the fortune of being at the heart and core of the fundamentals at Switch. It’s been wonderful to immediately experience the accessibility here. No person or topic is off-limits, and everyone has an open door. Our varying backgrounds are considered a commodity – and our insights, suggestions and thoughts have been encouraged from the start.

Last week, we were brought together with our fellow team members to celebrate Administrative Assistant’s Day – and what a treat! The day is designed to celebrate our accomplishments, but how wonderful it is that Switch is just as enthusiastic to celebrate our beginnings.

Although we have been assigned to unique departments (or ‘cliques”), we know that no department is an island, and we are lucky to be immersed in the whirlwind of Switch culture, clients and projects. What we found out is that each one of us is a brain…and an athlete…and a basket case… a princess…and a criminal…

Sincerely yours,

The Admin Club