Graduation Day

I got a little teary-eyed this morning as the reality of graduating set in. I've worked my butt off for the past three years studying, trying to learn as much as possible, gain a greater sense of self-awareness, improved my counseling skills, and meeting great people along the way. In the first semester of graduate school, it was the first time I realized that this is really the field for me, and that working so hard to do well was the right (and enjoyable) thing to do. I've had to make sacrifices, had to push myself, had to encourage myself to do more and I'm so happy with the outcome.

I am so so grateful for all of the kind messages my friends and family have sent me sharing their pride in my reaching this graduation day. Maybe even more important is the pride that I finally feel about myself. I worked hard and I accomplished so much, and along the way I've made differences in the lives of students!

Thinking back on my past year of practicum and internship experiences, I've confirmed again that school counseling is the field I am meant to work. I think I cried this morning thinking back on all of the warm smiles, hugs, and encouragement I received from the students that I worked with and the staff that have helped me along the way. Hearing things like, "school won't be the same without you here", "thank you for helping me not feel alone", "thank you for helping us all so much this year", "thank you for making this year so much fun", to teachers telling me "thank you for helping my student. She has improved so much because of all the effort and care that you put in", to messages on the board the last day of my internship, "Thanks for everything! We will all miss you", to two of the students that most of the faculty find to be the most difficult to work with giving me hugs and telling me that they will really miss me, to the handful of homemade cards from the students...thinking back on all of it really brings me to tears. Happy tears.

Three years ago  I came into the graduate program with an inkling that school counseling might be a great job for me, and three years later I know that it's what I want to do.

So happy about graduating today, but even more excited about the future students I can finally help by earning this degree.

Home stretch

It's been awhile since I've updated this blog. My last year of my Masters program has kept me busy.

I'm in the last few months of the program, and as long as I pass my comprehensive exam, I'll be graduating this May! Along with my graduation comes the dreaded job search. I'm hoping once more districts figure out their budgets/needs for next school year, more job opportunities will arise. I'm also trying my best to remember which of my friends, family, or acquaintances are in the education field, since most jobs are found knowing people who know people who know people.

This time in my life brings me back to my senior year of undergrad, when my future was unclear. The difference between who I was back then and who I am now is the determination and hard work that I've dedicated into earning my MA, receiving training from amazing site supervisors & professors, and having confidence that I am capable of being successful in this field.

As with all change, the future can be scary, but I'm certain that whatever it holds for me will be fulfilling.

My last thought before I return to studying...a lesson that I have learned and continue to learn through experiences: If you want something you have to keep working for it. The easiest way out is to give up and move on, yet with determination and hard work, all goals can eventually be reached.