Jumping into the deep end...with my water wings on!

Today was quite the day! My head has been going at 100 miles an hour it seems, but now I think my body has caught up...reminds me of the whole relative motion concept in Phys 124.

These past few days I have been doing a lot of reading about the "early years". I had been feeling a little out of my league -- contemplating whether I had watered down my "passion" for the position. The more I read though, the more I realize that this project couldn't be closer to my dream. I am doing the ULTIMATE chronic disease prevention...

I had my first official meeting in my new role. The people were so receptive to me! It is hugely exciting to be welcomed...I'm eager to move forward. At the same time, I realized today how supported I am within this project. They are embracing my lack of knowledge/experience and framing it as a fresh start. I have no vested interest or personal agenda. I'm free of any baggage...just a passion to strengthen early childhood development.

When big dreams feel small

This blog was created out of my need to share my feelings. I feel as though this transformation from undergraduate student to working woman is something that needs to be recorded.

My feelings towards graduating have somewhat been altered as a result of my new job...although I have felt that attaching too much meaning to events in one's life like graduation diminishes the importance of the journey, right now, I feel as though I am minimizing the importance of this milestone in my life.

I am graduating university. It's exciting, isn't it? I am 22 years old...I have devoted just under 1/5 of my life to this task. Crazy!! I have grown so much in these 4 years...I need to remember that and capture the growth somehow (haha, this blog?). I feel as though I'm being forced to jump into this "real" world without time to catch my breath.

I will admit that I am feeling uncertain about this new job. It is an incredible project...I already can see how I will grow and develop through this process, however, I am definitely the youngest one in the group, who in comparison lacks so much life experience. I know I have heart and have had different experiences and that I was selected for a reason, however it feels like I'm being forced to grow up too fast. Being immersed in an environment where people have more years of experience in the field than you do alive, makes you really conscious of how much you don't know...it's truly a humbling experience if there ever was one. Graduating university, although a HUGE milestone in my life, now seems insignificant in comparison.

I know I need to just be me...that's all I can do. I can't learn 22 years of information or make 22 years of contacts in a month...I can't, it's just not going to work. However, what I can do is enter with an open mind, eager to absorb what is needed. I will embrace my lack of knowledge and try to make the most of me.

In order to do that I have decided to take some things off of my plate. I have been involved in quite a few student groups (as you probably know)...and although I still am passionate about what they do, I need to give others the opportunity to get more involved. Moving on is hard, but something that needs to be done.

Introduction

This blog is intended to provide me with a chance to reflect upon the many changes in my life. I would appreciate any offerings of advice or words of wisdom as I embark on this new and exciting journey.

I recognize the importance of reflection and the value of strong support networks. I have invited a few people to walk (or run) with me on this new adventure...

Because you will have access to my innermost thoughts, I would like it if you do not share this information with anyone.