What total fun

Today I was priveledged enough to help with graduate admissions. There were six applicants this morning. Three of them went in for their interviews and I took the remaining three and gave them a tour of the campus and then did a Q & A for 20 minutes. After the hour was up, the groups switched and I repeated what I had done the first hour. After that, all six applicants came back together and I led a group asking them questions about themselves and how they feel they would fit into the program. When all was said and done and the applicants had left, the three professors who interviewed actually asked my opinion about who I thought was top, bottom and in between. I actually was able to give my input. It was so fun doing this today. I just only wish I could do it the rest of the week. Very fun.!!!

What an honor

Last night my advisor at NNU asked me if I would help with the graduate admissions interviews on Monday. I am responsible for giving the new applicants a tour of the campus, answering questions about the program and conducting a small group experience where I ask the applicants questions to see how they interact as a group. This is such an honor for me. It seems like yesterday that I was the applicant to the program who was going on the tour and being interviewed. I feel privileged to be asked to do this. It's a wonderful to see that all my hard work is paying off. Thanks to everyone who's been so supportive of me and helped watch my kids during these last three years. It's almost at an end.
P.S.: I'm finally official. Yesterday at the high school they presented me with my own name plate for my desk. I feel so.....grown up....a real counselor. It was wonderful!

Ugh

Well, I didn't pass comps...again. The upside....I only missed it by 5 points this time instead of 10...so I improved. The downside... I have to take the darn test again in February. Of the 15 that took it, only seven passed. This test is hard...and in my opinion...useless. Oh well. It's one of those necessary evils...I need it to graduate. Other than that, internship is going well. I will start an anger management group on Thursday. (No, I'm not one of the participates). That's right, I'm the facilitator (big word there). I will be doing this at the Academy once a week for half an hour. The kids seem very interested and sincere in wanting help. Let's see if they change their minds when I actual make them WORK to get their anger under control. It should prove interesting.

We did get a chance to get away this weekend, however. We went to McCall for the four day weekend and had a blast. The fall colors up there are amazing this time of year. We were able to go to Gold Fork Hot Springs by Donnelly. It was a blast although I can't say I'm too crazy about the group changing room. That was interesting. But all this to say, we had a great time, even in our little cabin in the woods that has no insulation upstairs.

The are only human

I spent my internship today getting to know the kids at the Academy (alternative high school). I called each one out separatly and took them for a five minute walk. I told them that I wanted to get to know them as a person and not by what I see on a computer about them. As I got them talking, I asked them about their favorite movies, activities and music. When the kids started to see that I was interested in them as a person, they started sharing things without my prodding. Some kids talked to me more easily than others, but I know with time they will learn to trust me. I really think these kids just want someone to take interest in them. One particular girl's story broke my heart. I still have a handle full to talk with, but it's a good start.

My wonderful hubby

This last weekend I drove to Salem with my best buds JAM and JD. We went to honor JAMs mom, Phyllis. While I was away for three days, my husband bravely took on the role of both parents. I missed my family terribly and yes, expected a mess when I got home. But much to my surprise, I found the opposite. My wonderful hubby not only took care of the kids beautifully, but he also cleaned the kitchen, bathrooms, canned salsa and cleaned up the house. My kids helped by vacuuming. I came home to a wonderfully cleaned and put together house. He is truly amazing. Instead of coming home tired and overwhelmed with what needed to be done at home, I just came home tired and filled with joy. I realized how much my family means to me by being away for those few days. I'm very blessed!!

It's Monday

Okay, I survived COMPS this weekend. Hopefully I passed. My brain was literally mush all Saturday evening...just ask JAM. Most bizarre behavior...for me even. This week I start my two afternoons a week at the Vallivue Academy. I'm a bit nervous, but I know things will be okay.

This week will also be a tough one because I am driving with JAM and friends to honor JAM's mom on Saturday. What a wonderful woman she is and was. What an inspiration to all of us fighting our battles, yet prevailing because of our faith in God. This will be a bittersweet time as we come together to grieve, yet remember that P is more alive then she has ever been.

Okay...I think I've got it!!

Okay....I'm ending my third week of school....I think...I might...have it!!! I can breathe, thanks to some VERY wise advice from a VERY wise friend ( you know who you are JAM). I'm getting my feet under me and getting the time management under way. I think I will survive.

The most exciting news of today is that I've now got a second internship site. Instead of being a VHS five afternoons a week, I will be at VHS three afternoons and then at Vallivue's new alternative High School two afternoons a week. The total population is about 28 kids. The new school does not have a counselor, so they are really wanting me there to help. This is both exciting, yet scary. I will be the only counselor there, so I have no one to fall back on if I run into a wall (that could really hurt you know). BUT...this will be an awesome experience and give me a great opportunity to see what I'm really made of as a counselor. SO...here I embark on a new adventure. Oh, by the way...save May 4th on your calendars...that's when I GRADUATE!!!!!!!!1