Sunday, January 15, 2012

What will matter is not your success but your significance.... ~Michael Josephson



   
       Well, it is official; I'm finished with graduate school! How and when it happened I'm not really sure... Now before you go assuming I have started taking drugs or simply lost my poor, ever-loving mind, I assure you I have not. What did happen though, I was somewhat unprepared for, exhaustion, sheer and absolute exhaustion. I don't think I realized how tired, stressed, and overwrought I had become.


   
       Fortunately I had time to rest somewhat by only working one job for a few weeks. By the time I rang in the new year with the kids, I had begun to feel more refreshed and relaxed. I actually couldn't remember the last time I had felt this way. It is safe to assume I have been running on empty for a while...


   
       So, how did I make it, survive, finish? I'm not entirely sure! It was not a perfect landing or a particularly graceful finish but there are times we must just be thankful for a job completed. I finished with a 3.8846. Yes, I know it down to the last decimal place! I had hoped to pull a 4.0 but with work, well, I guess I should be proud. More than the grades however, I am thankful for the education I received. My teachers at Charleston Southern University were phenomenal. The program itself was amazing. My family deserves the degree as much as me, as do my colleagues and friends.


    
       I have started my new job as a pediatric nursing instructor; yay! My goal is to stay prn at the clinic too. I want to stay relevant, current and passionate about what I do. I feel that students often sense a disconnect when instructors don't maintain their clinical expertise or have lost their joy. Plus, where would I get all the riveting stories and experiences? Minus the names and identifying information, of course ;)

       I have an office!!! Silly, I know but this is so exciting to me. Currently though I feel as if I'm trying desperately to 'hurry up' and get comfortable and capable at my new job. I am not used to being the one without the expertise! This will come however, so in the mean time I must practice patience. Everyone has been so welcoming and awesome.
    
       I have applied to a PhD program; this satisfies the nerd in me :) So we shall see what the future holds...

5 comments:

  1. Dearest Deanna, A huge CONGRATS to you on accomplishing this degree and becoming this beautiful angel of mercy as a nurse!!!
    Fantastic.

    I like the song you have playing on your blog. Restful and uplifting.

    May you take a deep breath and call it good,
    d

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  2. Thank you so much D2 ;) This is one of my all time favorite songs; I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully I'll be out and about visiting in blog land soon. Bless you!

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  3. CONGRATULATIONS! YAY, YAY, YAY!!! I know you have worked so hard.

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  4. Words cannot express how proud I am of you!!!!!!! Beautiful post. So much to be thankful for and proud of =-)

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