Well, it's been a long time coming, but I am finally able to post about my engagement. So, I am engaged, and have been since July. Michael and I wanted to tell people via phone or in person, and then by the time we felt ready to make it 'facebook official,' we figured we may as well wait for some good photos to prove it. So, if you're curious, there are lots of pictures on facebook of us looking adorable and in love.
Right now, however, I would much rather discuss the academic/professional side of my life. Today was the fourth day of my internship in Everett, WA at Trinity Lutheran College. I didn't know colleges this small existed, but they sure do. Trinity is located in four buildings: an old department store, a parking garage, and two rented apartment buildings. Small. All in all I believe there are about 200 students, give or take a few. While this school is small, and also probably because this school is small, I have been given a chance to do some serious learning. I have spent the last four days revamping the Residence Life and Housing section of the Student Handbook. In some ways, I have been able to 'write' policy. I mean, everything gets approved by the Director of Residence Life and the Dean of Students, but I have been given freedom to rearrange, edit, revise, and add to the manual. Talk about getting in on the ground floor of some serious policy making.
UPDATE: I fail at finishing these posts...whew. Anyway, a few more thoughts, then this is absolutely getting posted. :)
I had a serious breakthrough with my thesis tonight. Felt like the things I was researching finally clicked, and it makes sense now. I was even able to make a *VERY* rough outline of my lit review! Which is a huge relief. I've been feeling like I'm going in circles, but I broke through, and now it's just a wavy line! Before this program, I never seriously thought of myself as a thesis person. I mean, my life plan was certainly to get a PhD, and I knew the thesis would be hard work, but I didn't really have to think about what that would look like. Even when I came to Taylor, I don't think I fully realized that a thesis was a part of the program. I definitely didn't know that when I first applied. But the more I research and learn, the more I realize I am totally a thesis person. I am a Learner, and no matter what I do, I can't seem to shake that. I just love diving into a project, and learning all about it, and the regurgitating all that information in a way that is comprehensible to more than just myself.
Not to say I'm all set on getting a PhD. But now, I think it is something I could consider knowing that, if I was to find something I am truly passionate about, I could do it. Not quite sure I want to do it, but it's now a possibility, whereas before it was completely out the window.
This is a good January. A chance to rest and learn and figure out what it means to be a Student Development Professional. I love it.
nat
