Flippy Floppies

This post is going to be about literal, and metaphorical flippy floppies. First, for the literal: My cousin got me hooked on these flip flops called "Sanuks." They are made of recycled yoga mats (or beer koozies for men), and they are the second most comfortable things I have ever worn in my life (behind Ugg boots). I would never usually think about spending over $30 on a pair of flip flops, but trust me, they're worth it. And they're super cute too! Definitely try them out, they're a staple for a quick trip out the door!

Ok, now on to the metaphorical flippy floppies, or more accurately, my flip flopping. A few posts ago, I decided that I was going to take the reins of my future and stop relying on the mean system that is higher education, and make a different path for myself in the field of Child Life. Um, yeah, I take that back. I'm about halfway into my child life class, and I am NOT feeling it. With speech, I was so incredibly interested and excited to learn, and I realized that I just can't let it go anymore. I find myself caring absolutely nothing about my class, and it really is a shame. I don't really know what I'm going to do, or how I'm going to do it, but I am back to being determined to become an SLP.

I think I originally arrived at this decision when the head of the department told me I would have to go to grad school for child life. I figure, if I need to go to grad school, why not just apply to something that I really really really want to do? True, child life might not be as competitive, but I just don't want to do it. I'm proud of myself for trying it, but I now know that it's just not for me.

I'd like to get a good grade in the class so that I can have one more positive thing to add to applications in the fall, so hopefully I can achieve that. I'm kind of freaking out about who will write me letters of recommendation, since I'm far enough out of Wooster that my relationships with professors have kind of dissipated. I'm also really nervous that they don't really have faith in me, since it's been such a hard road. I'll definitely need to look for new connections this time around.

Now, you may be thinking to yourself, "Katie, what in the world are you going to do for the next year to enhance your applications?" and I'm honestly asking myself the exact same thing. I'm kicking myself for not taking the City Year interview senior year when I had the chance, and instead choosing the safe secretary route. But hey, hindsight is 20/20, and I'm apparently having a lot of that lately. I am going to apply to City Year again, and I'm also going to continue seeking out and applying for SLPA jobs in the DC area. I had thought about volunteering abroad, but I'm a homebody and the idea completely freaks me out. I also don't know which volunteer programs are best, or most legitimate so I feel lost at the same time.

In the interim, I was suggested by someone at work to fill in for a maternity leave (full-time) position in the fall, so I'm going to be shadowing for that. It's nice to get some recognition and to finally be making full-time pay, but again, it's not the job I crave. I am absolutely grateful for the opportunity, though, so I'm going to take advantage. I also might apply to an editing job in DC, because I like editing and it would get me closer to SLPA opportunities.

So, in conclusion, I'm going back to speech. If you have any leads on SLPA jobs, or "early language intervention" jobs, please please please keep me in mind. I am always open to suggestions from current SLPs, grad students, or adults in any field. Prayers, thoughts, and general support are always welcomed, and much, much appreciated. I'm kind of scared to be diverting myself back to this route of pain and rejection, but I am completely positive it is the one on which I belong, and I'm coming back swinging. 

A Bump in the Road

So, where we left off in our story, our glamorous heroine was well on her way to starting the post-bacc program in Child Life at the University of Akron. She went on to her first class, Direct Experiences in the Hospital, and was excited about the volunteer experiences that would follow, when her professor stated "The undergraduate program for child life has been canceled." *ENTER ROAD BLOCK AND RECORD SCRATCH* HEH?!

Turns out, child life is going to be one of those fields, such as speech pathology, that will require a master's degree in the not so distant future. It will also not require an undergraduate major in child life, therefore, higher learning institutions across America are getting rid of the program. I was searching for classes to take in the fall for the post-bacc program, and I was barely able to find any that I needed, so I decided to meet with the head of the program for some academic advising. We came to the conclusion that instead of take 50 something credits for a post-bacc program, it would be more "bang for my buck" to go the master's route, take less credits, and come out with more in the long run. I am agreeable.

The only problem is that this means I need to apply to the graduate program and wait an entire school year to be able to start classes; that is, if I even get accepted to the graduate school (a task in which I have had notoriously terrible luck in the past). This realization got me pretty down in the dumps, feeling "some typa way" if you will. As I'm sure I've vocalized in the past, I just want to get going with my career. I have had it up to about here with living at home, working a part time job that isn't that fulfilling to me, seemingly aging so fast that I'm this much closer to a retirement home consisting of a cardboard box (or more likely, my parents' house).

I was thinking about applying to some speech programs for the spring, but none of the schools that I want to attend accept for spring. So here I am, back where I started, bummed out and frustrated. I decided to go on a bike ride, after Adam talked me down from my bad mood, and I'm much more sensible about it. I'm going to continue taking my classes, since they're prerequisites for the child life masters program. I'm also going to continue my volunteering at Rainbow after my course is over. I want to stand out, and prove that I'm more than just my GPA, that I'm determined and ready to commit to a graduate program and a career. 

Another thing that I feel like I need in the interim is a full time job. It was mentioned to me last week that someone had brought up my name as a suggestion for a maternity leave fill-in for three months this fall in another department. I have no idea who suggested me, but ego-boost much?! The job is presumably full time, so I'm going to meet with someone from the department, hopefully soon, to figure out if it's a good fit. I'm kind of excited about it, because it's a mini-promotion, at least in my mind. I'll miss my floor, but I'll visit, and I'm sure the 3 months would go by oh so quickly.

Just like I want this next year to go by quickly. But I know I shouldn't want that. I need to live day to day, without worrying too much about the future. My career can wait; it will come. Moving out can wait; it will come. I need to make every day count. I'm going to do just that, and figure out why exactly the Universe put this little (somewhat frustrating, but manageable) road bump in front of me.

I made this the background on my computer, to remind me that doors are opening for me, and I just need to find them.

P.S. I'm doing very well in my classes so far. I intend to keep it up :)

Move On, but Don't Give Up

Ever since I made the decision to move forward from applying to grad school and decided to pursue child life, I've felt a sort of sadness; I truly do love speech pathology, and I don't want to move on entirely. Therefore, I decided that I am going to continue to apply to Cleveland State, every year, just to keep a little hope for a chance to become a speech pathologist. I feel like I will truly love child life, but in my gut, speech is my passion. So there it is, I'm moving on, but not giving up!

In other news, my friend Tim is moving to Cleveland. I get to show him all around and help him try to figure out where to live! I'm excited because he's a fellow Woosterite, and super awesome. Hooray for more Wooster friends in Cleveland; I'm collecting them.

Otherwise, there's not really much going on. I got in to both of my classes for the summer, which I'm seriously excited about (love me some school supplies), and I get to volunteer in the hospital with a child life specialist for 5 hours a week. I'm excited for spring and summer, and Adam comes to visit in 2 weeks.


Oh, and NBC cancelled Community, one of my favorite shows, so there's that.

Colorblocking 'til the Sun Comes Out

I wore my grey skirt to work the other day because I'm so tired of wearing my dress pants. This winter has been much less fashion forward than I had hoped, so I didn't think anything of my outfit until I glanced myself in the mirror after work. I realized that I had colorblocked like crazy and it actually looked good. I must have subconsciously been looking out for myself and my lack of fashion at the time. My phone even matched the ensemble. I'm aching for spring-like weather, and to go shopping for a few new pick-me-ups for my wardrobe.

Magenta sweater: Aerie; Grey skirt with black border: H&M; Purple cardigan: H&M

You also may have noticed that my nails are painted oddly. They're red and blue from the Indians game the night before. I didn't have time to do them differently, so yolo. This Russian guy actually came in to ask a question and noticed them, so he asked if that's how everyone is wearing them now. I was kind of embarrassed haha.

The Tentative Future

Long time, no post, eh? That's because I've been waiting out this whole grad school thing, just so I could decide what announcements to make. As it were, I've officially been rejected from 7 schools.  The 8th school, University of Virginia, sent out acceptances a while ago (I've been perusing a grad school message board), so I'm not going to hold my breath. 

So, in lieu of crying and being depressed, which I haven't actually been, I'm just a bit bitter, I'm officially going to be moving forward with my Plan B. I will be attending The University of Akron for a post-bacc program in Child Life. It will end up taking me about two years, the length of a masters program, as well as a 480 hour internship. The field is relatively new, and kind of unknown, so here is a description the child life career from the Child Life Council website: 

"Child life specialists are trained professionals with expertise in helping children and their families overcome life’s most challenging events. Armed with a strong background in child development and family systems, child life specialists promote effective coping through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities. They provide emotional support for families, and encourage optimum development of children facing a broad range of challenging experiences, particularly those related to healthcare and hospitalization. Because they understand that a child’s wellbeing depends on the support of the family, child life specialists provide information, support and guidance to parents, siblings, and other family members. They also play a vital role in educating caregivers, administrators, and the general public about the needs of children under stress. "

Working on an inpatient floor of a hospital for almost two years has shown me just how important these types of support systems can be. I'm excited to finally get a jump on my career path after sitting here, trying to get past the (seemingly) mean hierarchy of education ever since I graduated. I plan to take some general classes like anatomy and medical terminology this summer at Tri-C, to save some money and to just get going. I can't wait to expand my brain; I've been so bored. I'm also excited to defer my student loan payments.

I figure that I'll work for a few years, and get a feel for the field of Child Life. If I know in my gut that I really want to go back to speech-language pathology, I'll apply to grad school with all new grades, letters of recommendation, and views on life.

Since I'll still be here in Cleveland for at least the next two years, I applied to another part time job as an office assistant in the RAP Clinic at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital. If my research is correct, RAP stands for "recognition and prevention," in regards to mental illness in children. I'm in the market for a change, and this clinic sounds incredibly interesting.

Hopefully I'll be able to provide many more posts and updates in the near future. I'll let you know if Virginia blows this plan up and decides to accept me late in the game. And now, I'll leave you with this quote that a fellow Facebooker posted about a week ago. I feel like it really applies to me, and I'm happy to live by it:

One day she finally grasped that unexpected things were always going to happen in life. And with that she realized the only control she had was how she choose to handle them. So, she made the decision to survive using courage humor and grace. She was the queen of her life and the choice was hers! - See more at: http://purelykate16.tumblr.com/#sthash.JayJrCWn.dpufasdf

One day she finally grasped that unexpected things were always going to happen in life. And with that she realized the only control she had was how she choose to handle them. So, she made the decision to survive using courage humor and grace. She was the queen of her life and the choice was hers! - See more at: http://purelykate16.tumblr.com/#sthash.JayJrCWn.dpuf

A Month Later and Some Updates

Hello everyone! It's been exactly a month since I last blogged, so I figured it was time for an update. I finally bought a new computer last month! It's a Macbook Pro and I'm really happy with it, though I'm having some internet issues, so I might have to make a run to the Apple store.

Another new thing, I started running. Yes, you heard that right. I randomly decided that I wanted to start running and I actually like it a lot! I've only been inside on the treadmill, trying to make at least 2 miles. I'm very inconsistent in when I run and how long I actually run, compared to walking, but I always go at least 2 miles. I would like to start going more often, and I also need to look up good running technique. I can't wait till I can try running outside!

I think I want to get this tank, just because of its irony.

Though, I REALLY want to get this shirt, because Daryl.

Ah, grad school. So far, I've been rejected from three schools (LaSalle, WVU, and Old Dominion), and five more to go. I'm supposed to be getting a letter from Loyola Maryland sometime within the next few days, so hopefully it holds good news. The only school that I REALLY want to get in to is Gallaudet, so I'm hoping and praying that it works out. If not, I've done a lot of research into the Child Life program at Akron, and I've even applied non-degree, just in case.

I haven't had too much going on, so I'm sorry for lack of content or posts. I do have a few more blog request posts to do, so I'm going to try to get those going too. I'm on my way to DC early Monday morning to celebrate IS Monday with that crowd, and maybe see some cherry blossoms (doubt it).  I'm aching for spring! I just looked out of my window and there's some snow/freezing rain falling right now. I just want sun and skirts! DC's weather isn't supposed to be much nicer, so I'm just going to have to pretend for now.

All in all, I'm just sitting here waiting, trying to work some extra hours and impatiently waiting to hear from schools. So, you know, the usual. Thanks for the good thoughts everyone, hopefully I'll have some good news for you soon.

Blog Request Series #1: TV Shows to Watch

Holy crap. I just realized that I've been blogging without indenting any paragraphs. Is that a blogging faux pas, or is it acceptable in the internet world? Someone, let me know, this is a crisis!

Anyway, a couple of posts ago, I was having a whole other crisis: I was at a lack of things to write about, so I asked for requests. This is the first in a series of request posts, and I'm starting with "Which TV shows should I watch?"Over the past six months, I've been utilizing Netflix. I finally got my own account once I realized how hooked I was on these shows. I'm prone to comedies and some dramas, depending, so here's a list of my Netflix favorites:

Orange is the New Black: The hype is incredibly warranted. This show is groundbreaking, funny, heartbreaking, and it keeps you wanting more. It tells the story of Piper Chapman, an upper middle class white woman who gets sent to prison for a past of drug smuggling with her (then) girlfriend (Laura Prepon). The series not only follows Piper, but it tells the back stories of most of the inmates in the prison. I love a good back story, and believe me these stories delivered. I find myself rooting for these characters and getting incredibly invested in their lives. I found myself loving the characters I hated, rooting for those that I never thought I'd care much about, and lamenting the day that I watched the final episode. The cast is phenomenally diverse and so full of equally diverse personalities, and I can't wait for the next season (which I believe is to be released this April or June).

30 Rock: Last summer I read Tina Fey's autobiography Bossypants. Once I finished the book, she not only became my idol, but she got me instantly interested in seeing anything that came out of this brilliantly funny woman's mind. Enter 30 Rock. Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) is the head writer for The Girly Show (basically SNL) on NBC, when new boss Jack (Alec Baldwin) comes in and wants to revamp the entire show by adding a famous comedic actor/tabloid favorite, Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan). Initially, Liz hates Jack, but over the series they fall into a "mentor-mentee" relationship. The show chronicles Liz's hardships as a single thirty-something in NYC, juggling being a successful female writer, taking care of every mess that Jenna and Tracy might cause, and just wanting to sit at home and watch Dance Moms on her DVR while eating poptarts. 30 Rock also features many SNL alumni, as well as famous actors such as Paul Reubens, Matt Damon, and Oprah! The writing is HILARIOUS, and each of the characters has their own quirks that make them all favorites. Basically, Liz is every woman's spirit animal and I wish I could be like her in every way.  The celebrity guests never ceased to surprise me, and I'm seriously considering watching the series again because it's just that funny. Blerg!

House of Cards: Adam is a huge HOC fan, and he suggested that I watch it. I'm not normally a fan of dramas or shows that break the fourth wall, but I've had more than one person suggest it, so I decided to give it a try. I wasn't hooked on the first episode, but I decided to keep going and I was pulled right in. Maybe it's because Adam lives in DC now, but I feel really connected to the show since it takes place in a city that I've been frequenting. Frank is a South Carolina congressman, as well as the Democratic party whip (I've learned all kinds of government terms and positions thanks to this show). He's married to Claire, a beautiful, smart and successful businesswoman who wants nothing more than to support her husband in any way she can. Both are conniving, cunning, and striving to land Frank the ultimate job; leader of the free world. At first I was incredibly bothered by the amount of infidelity in this show, but I quickly learned that Frank, Claire, and many other characters will do whatever is necessary to get what they want. I'm constantly surprised at the way Frank handles situations and is able to predict how people will react. I also can't get over how much I like Claire; she's so eloquent, fashionable, and independent. Again, I found myself rooting for characters whom I never thought I would. I also found myself researching a lot more about the government than I ever thought I would. It's kind of hard for me to completely describe this series. It's just something you have to watch yourself because of all of the manipulation, murder, and whipping (take that how you will) that happens throughout. It constantly makes me wonder how much of it might actually happen in our real life government....

Freaks and Geeks:  I'm SO glad I decided to watch this show. Like many of the greats, it saw its end too early and lasted merely one season, only to grow a cult following years later. Freaks and Geeks chronicles Lindsey (mathlete turned "freak") and her brother Sam's (geek) experiences in high school with their friends, crushes, teachers, and parents. I've realized that I love anything that Judd Apatow writes, and this show does not disappoint. The situations are hilarious and real, the characters are loveable and laughable. This show may present the parts of high school that suck, but it also lays out the part of high school that was my favorite: the ability to cross clique lines, yet stay genuine. Not only does this series showcase awesome talent, but it's also the start of most of these people's careers. It's a star studded cast and hilarious writing, what more could you ask for? I can't sing enough praises for Freaks and Geeks. I just finished the last episode a few days ago, and I'm already itching to start watching it from the beginning again. Oh, and after you finish the series, google the reunion. It will give you all of the feels.

So there you have it, my favorite Netflix-able TV shows. This post taught me that I am no good whatsoever at writing reviews, so I'm going to try to practice. Let me know how you feel about these shows if you decide to watch them, and if you have any suggestions for what I should watch, get at me!