2010: Went Back to School Again

It's time to blog. Oh, yeah. Time to synthesize what my life was all about in 2010. Please excuse my immature manner, but I truly believe that the year 2010 was about my second chance to take my inexperienced young professional self seriously. "In 2010, I went back to the books again."

I was convinced for a while that my next step was to find a job right after college. That's what most people do, right? They go to college to get some knowledge..and never go to Jupiter to get more stupider. Haha. (I think you understand my point) Well, when you spend over seven months after stepping off the commencement stairs at graduation, you really ask yourself: What next?

Thoughts of frustration were "getting to me" and I was stuck in a twilight zone of believing I would stay hopeless in never finding a job. Never lose faith when you reach this situation, my friends. Opportunity is just around the corner. I was bound for school--again.

I learned about an opportunity to become a graduate assistant at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, in the heart of northwestern PA. The graduate assistantship opening was available for a GA coach in women's track & field/cross country; the head coach was leaving and the GA coach was graduating.

I also considered the fact that Clarion University had a Master's degree program in communication, and I thought that going for an advanced degree in communication-public relations would enhance and strengthen the "basic" skills in PR, which I obtained from Slippery Rock. Going to Clarion had nothing to do with athletics in my decision. It was a decision based on academics alone.

After finally been admitted to the M.S. program, I was not sure if I was going to be successful as a student. I finished my first semester with all A's, but there was still the problem of my GA coaching position. I was lacking imperative qualities and needed improvement in certain areas. I will admit. I was a little uncertain. Most importantly, I wanted to feel more comfortable at Clarion. For only three and a half months, I felt out of place. So, what did I decide to do? I stayed the summer in Clarion.

During the summer, I stayed on Liberty Street, near 5th Ave.--the main road of travel in town. It was a nice experience. I visited some interesting places around Clarion County, Pa., and some awesome people. Then, fall classes arrived...

I met the people of Koininia (coin-na-nee-ah), and Katie Black and Dean Alley, two people close to my age who lead the Christian fellowship organization. This group helped me socially connect and become more involved with on-campus activities.

My job duties as GA coach improved a great deal that semester, too. I would like to add that I created a team brochure for Clarion track & field/cross country as part of one of my public relations writing assignments, and I hope that that brochure becomes very beneficial, in terms of recruiting and promotion for the future.

I would like to leave you with this interesting remark on my college years, thus far.

2005: Graduated high school and still alive to arrive in college.
2006: So-so year, and felt like I was picking up fallen sticks.
2007: One year closer to what should feel like heaven when I graduate.
2008: It was soooo great!
2009: That year was mine! I finally graduated from Slippery Rock University.
2010: I went back to school again at Clarion University.

2011: Am I finally near heaven? Because I think I'll be earning my Master's degree...hopefully.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Thanks for reading. 8-)