By Michael Grignon, LMSW, CCM, MBA 

“If you want to hear the Universe laugh, tell it your plans.” I heard a version of this saying a couple of years ago. I remember thinking how well and how simply it summed up life. As I move toward the end of my year as AOSW president and into the beginning of my third decade as a social worker I find not only truth but solace in this statement.  

I would like to think, not just as a social worker, but as a human, that I can craft a gameplan to create the perfect path forward: map out a smooth, straight line that anticipates every turn and insulates from each negative contingency. There are even times when I feel I am close to doing so… but then I hear that amused chuckle from the Cosmos reminding me that I can only control so much. 

In many ways my journey with AOSW has been a convergence of my plans with those of the Universe, leading to a reality that has been a blend of each. Let me explain. Although I served as Secretary-Treasurer from 2019-2021, I had initially self-nominated for a different board position. I needed a little convincing to consider running for this alternate role (the Universe having plans of its own). In the end, I am glad I was open to that different path as, throughout my service as Secretary-Treasurer, I learned an incredible amount about financial planning, budgeting and stewarding the fiscal resources of a large organization.  

Another twist awaited me the year after I finished that first board term. In 2022, I ran for president… and lost. However, I continued to remain actively involved in various AOSW committees and initiatives. Then, ever a mind of its own, once again the Universe threw a curveball, and I ended up being appointed as president-elect in mid-2023. 

Why am I telling you this? To remind all of us that we do not always know what lies ahead and no matter how well we plan or think we have planned, there are bound to be surprises in life. As I continue to grow, I have increasingly realized that true talent comes not necessarily with perfect planning, but with the ability to absorb all of the twists, turns, bumps, ups, and downs that life may toss our way while still finding a pathway to success. After all, we learn more about ourselves during challenging times than easy ones, both as people and as organizations.  

As I finish my term as AOSW president I assure you all that AOSW will continue to develop plans and strategies for the future, always seeking innovative ways to grow and strengthen our organization. However, I also want to take a moment to acknowledge that true talent that we, as a professional community, possess: the ability to take whatever the Universe tosses out at us and come together to apply our expertise, our experience and our dedication to advance our common mission as the Association of Oncology Social Work.  

I thank you for your trust in me as president in 2024 and look forward to our future endeavors in service to this great organization and to this great profession. Your work is unique. Your work is important. Your work matters. Keep making a difference for the oncology community.