My journey into academics and career........................

I remember when I was a little girl I always found myself helping others. When I grew up I knew I was going to help people. I did not realize the lifelong journey I that was to come. I began my career in High School when I decided to not be a truant anymore and be a role model in my community by becoming part of the Student TEACH program. From truancy to graduating a year later but in the top 15% of my graduating class was quite an accomplishment for me. I then began taking college level courses in my senior year of High School to see if I was cut out for college...well I did OK and continued to persue my college career in Teaching. Two years into my undergad studies I changed to psychology which I realized I am not a good test taker, changed to teaching physical education because I loved to exercise and had an interest in fitness so why not? After all I was an assistant teacher for three years and it was still helping and teaching children. Well five years of college and a teaching job, well I was done and tired of not being sure where I wanted to go. I decided to get married and be a stay at home mother. About five years and two children later I then thought maybe I should get into Law enforcement while my middle of three children was still a baby, bad idea. I did not realize the sacrifice of time and effort to get into the NYPD and for terrible money and I was not sure if this was even the career choice I had really been looking for. One of the best decisions I have ever made in my life and I would not trade it for any other rewarding job was staying home with my children. So I continued my life as a volunteer because I could choose my hours, days and what I wanted to do. Well after over 20 years of being available to my children, working part time and volunteering in many different areas, from mentoring at risk youth to helping HIV/AIDS end of life palliative care I finally decided it was time to finish what I had began in academics and my career. I decided to finish my BA in Psychology and reach for an advanced degree in Social Work (MSW). Just to think what I have been doing most of my life has been social work. It was all the courses and experiences I had earlier as well as the many influential people in my life that have mentored me into the field of Social Work. My journey is still continuing and I never would have thought I could have came so far. WOW I impress myself.