There is Light at the End

So, it’s been a very long time since I last posted.  Life has been extremely busy.  For those of you who are unaware, I have been going to school to get my Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy.  I have been a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant since October 2005.  I knew while I was finishing up my associate’s degree that I wanted to go back, however I needed a break.  With the advice of my professors at Maria College, I began working in the field for a few years.  By the fall of 2008, I was at it again and started taking the prerequisite classes required to enter into the Master’s program.  By the fall of 2009, I was working full-time as a COTA and going to school full-time.  Yes!! That’s right, I was going to school on the weekends (well every other weekend). My personal life basically came to a halt.  Also, besides becoming a full-student, remaining a full-time employee I also became a full-time care giver for my mom, who was diagnosed with cancer, just a few short weeks before I began the 2009 fall semester (I'll save her updated status for another day).

In May 2011 I graduated with my BS in Health Sciences from Utica College.  Oh!! Yeah!! I didn’t tell you that not only was I going to Weekend College, but I was traveling just over an hour west every other weekend.  Yes, I have been staying in Utica on college weekends.  Anyway, this has been a long road.  School does not and has never come easy for me.  I have to really work hard at it.  I’ve spent many long days and nights hitting the books, writing reports/research projects, posting discussions online.  I’ve missed out on many social gatherings/events.  If I did go, I really did not enjoy myself because in the back of my mind I was always thinking about the looming deadline and about what assignment I could be working on.

On Friday 2/17/12, I punched the time clock at work for the last time as a full-time COTA.  Like, the kids I have this week off, however I am working on all those last minute assignments.  I have a lot of loose ends to tie up.  On Monday 2/27, I will begin one of my two 3 months fieldwork internships.  My first one is close to home here in a nice school district working with BOCES.  My second one will be in Utica at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center.  I am both excited but nervous at the same time for both.  I officially will graduate in August, however I will be able to walk with the rest of my class in May during commencement.  This has been a long time coming.  I can actually say that I am beginning to feel normal again and I am getting my life back.

 I am finally beginning to see a light at the end of this long tunnel.