The Verdict is.....

So I heard back from the Kissimmee job and I'll start on the 28th as an Adult Senior Counselor helping those recovering from substance abuse. I'm nervous working with a population that I haven't before, but excited to learn new things. I'm worried that the hours won't count towards my MFT licensure, so I need to find that out ASAP. See when I applied, it said family and youth, but then it seems to only be adults. But I interviewed anyway because I mean at this moment I can't be picky you know.

Now the Tampa job that focuses on going into at-risk family’s homes is soooo down my alley and I could learn so much. I had my 3rd interview on Thursday and it was full of clinical scenarios that I felt very good about. Just made me want to work there more. They want me to do a ride along... I don't know when I can do that, when I don't come back till the 25th and they closed on the 26th and I start the other job on the 28th... Too much going on. I like this job because it pays 2000 a yr. more and I automatically will get a 3000 raise every 6 months for 2 years. They pay for licensure. The only thing is, it's in Tampa and while the hubby is on board to move, we would need a place to stay and find him another job ASAP or else we would essentially be in the same boat we are in now with one income.

I'm starting to think maybe I can talk with the director and see if maybe I can start later than Jan 3. Maybe I can try it again in early summer. It's sad because it seems it would be great and I know the Tampa job is more work: 24hr on call on weekdays, driving as far as 80 miles to visit homes (they reimburse me for it). Court cases etc.

So I think what is best for my family is to remain here and gain a new professional facet. I think it'll be interesting, stressful, overwhelming and great all at once. Hopefully the Tampa job can work something out. If not then it wasn't meant to be. I just hope I’m not mistakenly going left when I should be going right on what God has planned for me.

Time will tell.....

♥Adieu

Walking By Faith

I always knew I was going to be Dr. Murray, but I was always scared of the process of applying for schools so I always pushed it off. I knew I was going to have to connect with many professors to see if they would want to work with me and if they had room for another graduate student. I think I was more worried about being rejected than anything else. So when I graduated in May, I knew I couldn't prolong it anymore and it was time for me to buckle down and start looking at phD programs. I was looking at professors from schools in the south (because I can't do those north winters lol), but only one professor (at Texas A&M) had me interested in their research where I felt I could contribute, learn from his experience, and expand on my own research. I calmed down my worry and just went for it. I contacted the professor and I was able to setup a meeting with him in late May! I went down there and he showed me around their facilities and answered all of my questions. I loved the atmosphere down there and loved my experience so much I was ready to start the program that second! When I got back to Nashville, I everything that I needed to do to make sure I was getting into that school for the Spring. I even retook the GRE and made sure my application was turned in early enough so I would know as soon as possible especially with my lease ending in November. With my app turned-in in August, it was time for me to play the waiting game....

Here it is late October...Oct 4th I contacted the professor I want to work with to see if he has heard anything and he said he hasn't even seen my application. When he said that I started doubting and worrying that this wasn't going to happen even though this felt so right to me. And I started thinking Oh My God I put all my eggs in one basket what am I going to do if this doesn't plan out. It was just a bad week for me emotionally and I really didn't want to be bothered. But I kept praying about the situation and kept my faith. The professor got back to me the following week to let me know that because of funding he could not take me as a student. I missed what I needed on the GRE by 10pts and knew that him finding funding was going to be hard but I was willing to attend without funding from the school because I knew its where I want to be. You know coming from the week I had before that email you would I'd be crying, back to worrying and doubting, but I wasn't. I called my friends in my field and asked for their feedback on it and received great advice. I realized that I needed to go after all my options before I gave up because like I said this is what I want and I have to go after it.

I replyed to the professors email with all my ideas as to try to get into that school and told him how much I wanted to work and learn from him. He replied and had discussed my case with the dean and said I could apply for fellowships that the school has for students that don't perform well in certain areas and that it would good for me to retake the GRE again (booo lol) and if I get the fellowship than I would start in the Fall and he asked how'd that sound to me. I said it sounded GREAT I still have some hope in getting into this school!

Remember how I said my lease was ending in November, well now I needed to make a decision as to do I go down to Miami and live with the parentals or do I go and move to Texas. By the end of the week (of getting the email from the prof) I made the decision that I would move to College Station, TX! Since I will be taking the GRE again I definitely knew I could not stay in Miami and study for it. When I'm home I always feel like I'm on vacation, I never have that student mindframe. And because I have faith that I will do all the necessary things to get in for the Fall, I might as well be down there. This move feels so right in my heart and I truly believe that God is leading me there for whatever reason and I have no worries or doubt. He has given me peace to let me know that he's in control! And I'm truly thankful for having the support from family and friends on this decision and not looking at me like I'm crazy for going down there (at least no one has said that to me lol)

I'm down to 2 weeks left in Nashville and making the move to College Station (tomorrow I'm actually going down there to look at apartments!!). Been packing and looking at moving companies (since my dad is too old for moving me now lol). Been enjoying my friends and new family that I've gained from the past 2+years I've been here. I'm getting pretty excited, well I've been excited since I've made the decision about this next journey in my life. Excited to see where the Lord is taking me, excited about the new experiences I'll have in Texas (the good & the bad), excited about starting school in the Fall (CLAIMING IT!). I am sad about leaving Nashville I've had great memories here and cherish every moment, I don't even want to think of the tears that will come when I leave :( But until that day comes I'm kicking it and leaving Nashville with a bang!

Still can't believe I'm doing this move.... :-D

Ms. Rita