Something big came down at work today. (Background: I work for the organization which, among other things, distributes AmeriCorps grants from the federal government to nonprofits in Massachusetts.) My boss announced that she has been appointed to be the head of AmeriCorps National in D.C.

There are so many mixed emotions going through my head. As a mentor, she has pushed my skills and confidence to a whole new level by giving me more responsibility and autonomy than I've had in the past. Her leaving is sad for me, but...good for her. I guess it's good for me too; since this is a presidential appointment, it can't hurt to have friends in high places.

While the search firm recruits her successor, my colleagues and I have a rare chance to show that we can take it up a notch and keep all the balls in the air. And, I've never had to deal with training and orienting a new boss, so that should be interesting.

But at the end of the day, I'm so proud and happy for her, and feel good that I've had a chance to work on her team. Her experience "on the ground" is really going to make an impact on programs across the county and I cannot wait to see her get started.