It’s graduation day, and I, Wattson (Watt for short), am officially ready to head out into the world as part of the 75th generation of sparks. We sparks work with Tennessee’s Electric Cooperative Association to energize communities. Professor Zip gave his final remarks for the class of 2025, reminding us that our job is to energize every moment for our new homes, ensuring nobody misses the moments that matter most. My cap flew up with everyone else’s, falling back down through a glitter of charge in the air. Tomorrow marks my first day as an energizer.
“Hey Watt, sign my yearbook,” Joules, my best friend since we were electrons, called out. It was hard to say goodbye since we sparks must cover over 100,000 miles of distribution. I signed her yearbook and promised we’d catch up at next year’s cooperative celebration. After saying goodbye to everyone, I made my way to Professor Zip to say my final goodbyes before preparing for tomorrow’s big day.
The alarm went off early, and though I hadn’t slept much from excitement, I rushed to catch the electri-tram to my new home. I’d been assigned to Appalachian Electric Cooperative, covering Jefferson, Hamblen, Grainger, and Sevier counties. The co-op has 45,188 meters of distribution. As top of my class, I knew I could handle it! I arrived at the small farm home of the Jefferson family, set my things down inside the Wi-Fi router (my new home), and started unpacking.
“MOM! My phone’s not working! Landon just snapped me, and it won’t open!” a voice yelled. Another followed, “My PC just went down! What’s wrong with the Wi-Fi?” It sounds like a busy house, just what we sparks are trained for. I knew I had to help, so I put my unpacking on hold and got to work fixing the Wi-Fi.
After things settled, I took a moment to learn about my new family. Violet, seventeen, loves animals, a homebody, and extremely focused on school. Lucas, fifteen, rowdy, loves annoying his sister, plays football, and enjoys working with his dad outdoors. Elenor, forty-two, is an ICU nurse, while Elliot is an electrical engineer at Appalachian Electric. He loves farming and is deeply dedicated to his work. I am excited to be a part of their home and can’t wait to energize their lives.
After setting up the home’s power system, I passed Lucas’s room and saw he was working on a presentation for school. His topic reads, “Something That Impacts Our Community,” his first slide is titled “Concern for Community.” Ah, he is using Seven Cooperative Principles. He types, “While cooperatives focus on member needs, they work for the sustainable development of communities through member accepted policies.” He adds that his dad works hard to provide for their community, and he admired the cooperative’s values. It’s clear that Lucas is a good kid. I end my rounds for tonight, happy that everything was energized and reliable.
The next day, Elliot helped Lucas with his presentation, focusing on Voluntary and Open Membership. Lucas explained, “Cooperatives are open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without discrimination.” His dad agreed, emphasizing how this principle strengthens their community.
Meanwhile, I found Violet and Elenor in the barn, working with animals. Violet ranted about how she wants to try out for volleyball, but Stephane the team captain, mostly because of her parents’ sizable donations to the team, wants to keep her off.
This reminds me of a drill we did on the Autonomy and Independence principle, where we had to decide how to stay independent if a big company offered money. Joules and I agreed that accepting donations was fine, so long as the group-maintained control. Maybe Violet could talk to the team and apply the same principle?
At dinner, Violet said, “I want to start a Volunteer Club. I talked to Mrs. Benard, and she’s on board.” To my surprise, Lucas chimes in, “You should use the ‘Democratic Member Control’ principle. It means everyone gets a say in decisions. That way, Stephane can’t take over because of her family’s money.” Violet pauses, looking shocked before smiling, “You know, that’s a great idea, Lucas. Thanks!” He responded with a teenage eyeroll, “Yeah, don’t take it too far, dumbo, I just know she annoys you.”
Later, Elliot asked Violet, “Have you finished your essay?” She sighed, “No, I’m close, I just don’t want to mess it up.” Elliot reassured her, “Don’t stress. I know how much fun you had at the Youth Leadership Summit.” Violet’s face relaxed as she replied, “Thanks, Dad, you always talk about TECA’s education and training opportunities. I want to be great just like you.” Elliot smiled, “You’re already great, Honey. I just want you to utilize every opportunity. You’ll do great on that paper.”
After dinner, Lucas finishes his presentation, explaining the Members’ Economic Participation principle. “Members contribute equally to help fund the cooperative,” he said. “Any extra money goes into growing the co-op, so it improves over time to benefit its members.” It’s clear he understands cooperatives prioritize community growth.
Once everyone went to bed and I completed my nightly rounds, I jotted down my thoughts in my journal: I love my family, and I can’t believe I’m their energizer. I can’t wait to tell Joules! I wonder what stories she’ll have for me.
