Get out. Make friends. Meet people in NJ.
NJYP's Anniversary is Today - Thanks from Laura
Today, 2.22.10, is the official 6 Year Anniversary of NJYP! It was 6 years ago tonight that I was sitting in my condo, alone, yet again. I was asking myself “How does one go and meet people for friendships?” I searched online for about an hour; looking for something to join. When I came up empty handed I went to Yahoo Groups and formed what is now known as “New Jersey Young Professionals”. I posted an ad on Craigslist.org and within a week there were about 100 members on my Yahoo Group. The first event was at The Office in Bridgewater. I was terrified to go! I remember driving there thinking, “What the hell am I doing?”. But around 10 people came out and all were friendly (and none wanted to murder me)! The group evolved from there and it grew and grew until it is what you see today.
Thank you to everyone who has been there for the last 6 years and to those who just joined. Thanks to those who I met along the way and encouraged me to “keep up the good work”. At times I certainly wanted to run away from NJYP (for a variety of reasons) but I am so glad I never gave it up. Thank you to those who have come and gone. And by gone I mean you moved away, got married, had a baby, aged out, or life just has gotten too busy for you. Thank you to the a-m-a-z-i-n-g group of friends I have made (you know who you are and I love you all). And thank you to my boyfriend who has been to nearly every major NJYP event the last two years and who has proved to be my biggest supporter across all categories.
Much love,
Laura Occhipinti
PS, Around 150 people were at the Anniversary Party on Friday. If I had not drank 3 beers I may have said a lot more when Kevin gave me the microphone but instead I just said “Thanks” and above you see what I really meant by that.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Laura Labriola on
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congratulations, Laura! What you've done is completely amazing and you should be so proud of yourself!!!!
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Permalink Reply by Stephanie Coutros on
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Congratulations Laura!!! :o) Thank you again for all the awesome times.
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Permalink Reply by Latisha on
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Congratulations Laura! I think it was a wonderful idea that you had starting NJYP and I am really glad you stuck it out through the rough times! :)
Tisha
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Permalink Reply by Harsha Meda on
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thanks to you Laura, when i searched Google for ways to meet people, NJYP was already there!!! cant wait to make new friends! i have RSVP'ed for 3/3 event in Princeton.
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Permalink Reply by Kirsten on
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Congrats, Laura! You have accomplished so much in 6 years. You are an amazing person with so much drive and ambition. I hope NJYP is all that you envisioned it to be and more.
I am so thankful to have had this group. I've made some great friends here who have gotten me through some really tough times, as well as been there for all of the wonderful times. I know I've told you this before, but I honestly don't know where I'd be right now if I hadn't found this group through CL (probably back in NY).
Happy 6th anniversary!
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Permalink Reply by Paul Kiesche on
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So happy for you and the group. It's been a great group to be part of and the organization has been very good to me over the many years I've been part of it. Congrats!
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Permalink Reply by Jim Perry on
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Congratulations, Laura. We are all very fortunate to have you at the helm. :)
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Permalink Reply by Serena Arrabito on
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Congratulations Laura, you have done an incredible job w/ NJYP & NJP. For someone who was not born/raised in NJ, your groups were perfect for me to Get Out & Make Friends, which I have definitely done. I have met some very special people because of you - and of course, this includes you! Thank You - we are all very proud!!!!!! (6 exclamation points proud)
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Permalink Reply by TJ on
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lol.. congrats Laura & thank you for all the wonderful brainstorms, that has enabled us all to "meet".
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Permalink Reply by Deborah on
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Thanks to you Laura, for doing all you do to make this work and expanding it to meet people's needs. I also found myself thinking" how do I go about making friends?" after moving here a few years ago, and I've certainly met more cool people through NJYP than any of the other ways I've attempted. Keep up the great work -- we all appreciate it!
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