Category Archives: Working

I Did That Thang!

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Let’s not spend time talking about how long it’s been since I’ve posted…a while sums it up. But 2017 so far has seen big changes.  So far, biggest of all has been my birthday gift to myself this year: finishing … Continue reading →

Peace Out 2016!

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I know that like many people, I am very excited to put 2016 in the rear-view mirror. My favorite descriptor of this year so far? “Poop-flavored trash fire.” And I’ll never stop laughing at it. For all of the crap … Continue reading →

Grad School – Part 2

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So, part 1 was applying and getting in.

Part 2 is finishing my first semester and living to tell about it. There are a lot of emotions that go along with this and the sad part is, this is only the beginning of this journey. Three more semesters await me, along with the creation and submission of a thesis or project.

Even with so much more ahead of me, I  feel like I have accomplished something. We started with 25 people in our first cohort meeting. We now have 21 people. I feel accomplished because not only did I stick it out, I did so knowing this was the right choice for be from the beginning. The content, the work, the people: it’s all a good fit for me. This is what I need to grow as a person and an educational leader.

So, what have I learned so far?

First, I’ve learned that busy has a new meaning when you are juggling family, work, and school. Not just school though: graduate school. It is a different level of suffocation. You aren’t just working for the grade, you’re working to learn. You’re applying what you learn personally and professionally. Daily. It’s all encompassing.

Next, I have learned a new kind of patience. Being a parent gave me selective patience. Working in a cohort is teaching me professional patience. The kind I need to be a good leader.

That I’m not an imposter. I deserve all that I work for and all that I have accomplished professionally and educationally. No one can take those things away from me and they are what drive me forward. Those this and my family.

Now, for six weeks off to recoup, renew, and refresh. Oh and organize my life haha. 

Happy holidays to all and to all a good night!

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The final submission for Fall 2014

Manic Monday

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RunKeeper_Day15

Happy Monday all! As you can see from my progress report above, I’m pretty much rocking my 30 Miles in 30 Days Challenge. I’ve been walking, jogging (rarely), and riding my bike. The bike is the best way for me to maximize calories burned and my time. I can get over 2 miles in the same 20 minutes I spend walking one mile. I can definitely feel the burn and work really hard at burning extra calories. I’m feeling proud of myself and motivated to stick with this challenge.

On the personal front, we have some promising news on the housing front. If all goes well, we’ll be moving into a new place early next month. The house is gorgeous and amazing. More than I think we deserve and maybe I’m still wrapping my head around it. Wish us luck that everything continues to go well and we end up happy and comfortable this time in October!

On the other end of the spectrum, I have to survive not only this week but the next few weeks as we gear up to move either way. Packing, cleaning, reading, papers, class, work….my head is spinning when I think about all of the things that I need to do in the next 3 – 4 weeks. It’s hard to think beyond that to weddings and holidays. Before I know it, 2015 will be here! This year has flown by but it has also been a pretty good one. I really hope we can finish this year strong.

The Grad Student and Career Woman

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Friday was the start of my life as a graduate student. I will be attending California State University, Sacramento, working toward my Masters of Art in Education, with an emphasis in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies. I can’t tell you how excited I am.

I did a lot of soul searching about the kind of career I wanted to pursue. I realized that while I did not seek out higher education, it found me by chance when I was living in Blacksburg and ended up working at Virginia Tech. I have always done and been good at administrative work, and I wanted those skills to take me wherever I wanted to go. Doing admin work does allow you to work in almost any and every industry. But that can be unfulfilling when you looking for a place to belong. In each of the industries I have worked in, I used to wonder, “is this where I belong?”

It wasn’t until I took my past job at UC Davis working as an advising assistant that I realized what I was really good at and wanted to do. Since getting my job as undergraduate academic adviser last year, I’ve found a place I belong. I love working with students. I love advising. I hope to continue my career in student affairs. While this program is geared toward leadership in higher education, student affairs needs leaders as well.

I did a lot of comparing, contrasting, and research before choosing this program. There were a number of online programs that were very tempting because of the flexible schedule. I ultimately chose this program because it is a hybrid program, which I think will be beneficial and it is made for working professionals. This program is well-recognized and respected on the UC Davis campus, and I am sure elsewhere. The price isn’t too bad either 😉

This weekend was our first monthly in-person meeting. It was so great to meet our diverse cohort. Luckily, one of the other advisers from the UC Davis campus is part of my cohort as well. I’m really looking forward to spending the next two years with these people. They are all so thoughtful, interesting, and passionate.

Wish us luck as we tackle the next two years together! Go EDLP Cohort Class of 2016!

 

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Oh just me and some of my cohort mates, Kat and Avaeta