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It’s been a busy couple of weeks, as I’m sure it has been for a lot of people. Last month I had the privilege of being a part of the gorgeous wedding of two high school track teammates, one also a childhood friend and adored soccer teammate. I have to say, watching two people I care about hit milestones like that together is absolutely wonderful. Nick came home for the wedding as well, as we were both in the wedding party, and days later I was lucky enough to fly back with him to Iowa.

Perks of working remotely. 

I got to visit a new state, spend some time slowing down a little bit, play some flag football, and meet some of Nick’s new friends. Throughout the weeks I visited, I worked from home, finished my last prerequisite class, and squared away school preparation in the process.

It was good timing too because that was my last vacation for a while. Even Kris and his fiancé have come to visit home now and then which has been nice since I know soon enough I’ll be busy. This week I’ve spent a lot of time with my parents gathering garage sale finds, packing up, and moving my things to Oakland. That’s because this next week, I will be heading off to start my field placement for grad school in Berkeley at The Wright Institute.

Surprise!

I’ve been working from home since graduating in June 2020 and during that time, I’ve done a lot of thinking. The pandemic and being at home a lot would do that right? 

With my English degree and my minor that mixes arts, communication, and digital work, I have a lot of work I am qualified to do. My writing is something I cannot let go of regardless of whether or not it was my job. The same could be said for what I did throughout my minor schoolwork. But during the pandemic, I also had to recognize how hard it was for people to obtain jobs despite demands for their skills, myself included despite the job I currently have. It’s something to consider for the future.

Not only this but there were 2 other things I couldn’t deny.

1: Working as I have for the past 1+ year, I have learned an incredible amount of information and new skills within a different industry, however, I still find myself looking for something more in my future down the line. I wouldn’t be able to make ends meet financially as things are regardless.

2: Everyone around me, from my coworkers and my family to those I meet in the grocery store and people I pass by on road trips are all dealing with a lot as we get through this. I think the repercussions may last longer than we realize.

As someone passionate about human connection, appreciates how different all of us are in the way we live and connect, and has felt for a long time in some sense that we all have a lot to deal with, this next step in my life is a natural one. Sure, it took a while to figure out, a lot of long conversations, and an initial minor that I eventually didn’t have time to complete, but I got here.

I am starting my journey to get my doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD) and though I have no idea what the next 4+ years hold, I’m excited to share it with you all.

When I started my undergraduate journey, I had the privilege of sharing my adventures, my learning experiences, and my writing with you throughout. As I start down this new path, I hope you are willing to stick around as I navigate whatever comes next. Grad school for my doctorate is a whole new ballgame— I’m sure the fun will come as I start to get a hang of things and I’m excited to bring it to this little digital world.

Who knows, maybe I’ll expand. But I am happy to share the news with you all and take you with me as we all move forward into what our new normals will become. For now, I will continue moving into my new place and adjusting to this adulting people keep telling me more about.

Glad to be back, happy Friday everyone. I will see you soon, have a wonderful weekend.