Reflections

So... as of yesterday, I closed a huge chapter in my life.  Fresh out of college, I sent out applications and went on a few interviews, got a job offer at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf.  Before that time, I had never visited Philadelphia nor did I want to live on the east coast.  After some consideration (and waiting for jobs on the west coast), I decided to accept that job and move to a city that I had never visited.  I wanted to find an apartment before I moved there, so I spent lots of time looking online for an apartment and found one. I paid for it before I even saw the apartment and the location.  I felt nervous, but kept on thinking positive.  It turned out to be a decent apartment in a good location.  I am very relieved that it all worked out after living in Philadelphia and seeing the different sections of the city.

I originally moved to Philadelphia to become their Early Intervention teacher, teaching part time in the 2 year old playgroup and conducting home visits the rest of the time.  Over my 8 years, I continued to work at PSD as a classroom teacher for children between 3 to 5 years old, and then later as an American Sign Language specialist working with young children to develop their ASL skills.

I had no set plans for the future when it came to how long I wanted to live in Philadelphia, or where else I wanted to live.  I just lived life one day at a time.

Fast forward 8 years later, I am a different person now than I was at 26 years old.  I went through good times, bad times, happy times, sad times and in between times.  I went on my first overseas trip to Sweden to visit Linda that first Thanksgiving break, and have been hooked on traveling since then.

There has been several changes in my family:  births, marriages, divorces, health issues, deaths, and moves (both locally and long distance).  There has also been changes in my personal life: moves (both locally and long distance), friends coming in and out, life partner entering and leaving, job changes, development of confidence in running and of course finances.

I would like to thank PSD for having faith in me as a young 26 years old graduate fresh out of college and allowing me to grow professionally and personally.  I would like to thank my co-workers at PSD who kept me sane with interesting conversations.  I would also like to thank my family for all their support, wise advice and standing by me over the years.  I know I will always have my family by my side, no matter what decision I make.

I would never trade the past 8 years of my life for anything else.  It made me who I am today, ready to embark on another adventure in the Marshall Islands.

“The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.”  - Oprah Winfrey