Closing Another Chapter

After passing the final exam, I have come to realize how close I am to completing the academic portion of Graduate School. The thought of finishing up all of my class is so bittersweet. For two years, I have been meeting with the same group of amazing people from all over the states for an intensive three day class session that meets just once a month. Here we are, July, 2010, Track C, Counseling Psychology, Master's students- we all will be saying our goodbye's at the end of this month till me meet again at graduation next May.

During the Summer sessions, it is one of the most grueling quarters during the first year and second year. The session itself lasts for one week straight. It is very exhausting however this year will mark the end of classes for us as a group and a new chapter for everyone. I can only speak for myself when I say that I am ready to go my own direction and further my journey into becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. There are a number of directions that I can take however, I am leaving it up to whatever is meant to be.

The one of many great joys of being in California is that I am still in a short distance away from a number of my classmates. Nothing like a road trip to see some familiar faces! Overall, right now, I am feeling both joy and sadness about closing this chapter. My classmates have become my family and will continue to be such a meaningful group of people as well as support for me for me in the years to come.

Just last week, I finally found a job. Currently, I am going through the training process and am waiting to get my fingerprints done so that I can then begin working with clients! Overall the timing was excellent. Not working for as long as I have has been exactly what I needed. Having the final exam behind me has given me the wiggle room to relax and move forward towards beginning the next process of writing my thesis.

It does not end there. This last session is once again will be filled with some good times. Some of the festivities include, clothing swap- sort of a free for all garage sale- bring what you don't want any longer and then take what you see that you want, sorta thing. Then there will be Creative night, where we can bring poems, show artwork and just hang out with everyone! Another night, we will have a drum circles and have a rocking dance off on campus. Can't forget to mention spa night! Nothing like getting a facial, hair treatment, foot massage, back massage and my nails done all in one night! Another night there will be a BBQ off campus, afterwords a night out on town! Finally, for the last evening, I will be able to share my art by presenting the class with a slide show of all the photos I have taken! Below is a preview of some of the photos. I have had so much fun with using my photography to capture the precious memories at Pacifica.

It's hard to say goodbye but the time has to come. My world has opened up and I feel so lucky and blessed to be a part of this process of training and really doing the work on myself as well as watching others dive straight into their material.