Finally knowing for sure

Well...if I ever needed confirmation that I have been pursuing the correct degree; I finally know for sure. I am!! Yesterday was my first training session at the counseling center. I spent 10 hours learning what kind of clients we serve and what services we provide. It was so encouraging to know that I knew so much about the different topics. Ya know...I sometimes wonder if my "book smarts" would be enough toward the practical application of professional psychology. Apparently, I DID learn everything I was supposed to learn. weeehoooo!!!!

I am so excited. Last week was an extremely emotional week for me, and I just couldn't put my finger on what was wrong. Sure, we're having financial difficulties; of course, there's a guest in our home (AGAIN); I am in the last two weeks of classes (that's always stressful). Still, I am a relatively non-emotional person (at least outwardly) and I was crying at the drop of a maxwell house commercial. Eve and I talked about it on Friday evening...I think it was relief. The fruition of something I want so much. The beginning of my life (that's how it feels).

My emotions reminded me of the year I wanted an aquarium. I dropped subtle (mom said they weren't so subtle) hints by bringing books home from the library, and talking incessantly about what I learned about fish, and aquariums for nine months. Well, I just knew I was going to get one for my birthday. My parents made it such a special day. They took me out to dinner and Connie attended. I received the most beautiful gifts and had one of the best dinners in my short 12 years of life. I remember that Connie's attendance made such an impact and made me feel SOOOOOO special. BUT...no aquarium. I received a beautiful necklace from Connie, and a bottle of Channel # 19 from Chris. Mom and Dad gave me a great card and a ring. It was a jewelry and perfume evening...what more could any girl ask for???? An aquarium, of course. I assumed I had not given the proper hints and that I would try harder so I would receive the aquarium for Christmas. I was not sad, but I was disappointed with myself for not making my desires more clear. So, we left the restaurant (wish I could remember the name of it - it was located in the hotel across from Wieners and the grocery store on the hill by the 290 & hwy 36 intersection). Anyway, we got back to our house and I headed to my bedroom to get ready for bed. I walk in, and there it was - set up, filled with fish - my aquarium! Mom and Dad had the ranch manager come in and set it up while we were gone to dinner. I cried, I cried, I cried...

That is how I felt yesterday...I did it, I have arrived, I will finally do something that makes me feel fulfilled. Oh, I know I still have three years left until I can say, "That's Dr. Andersen", but right now...I am a counselor. I am going to help people help themselves. For as long as I can remember, this is what I have wanted to do...I first realized I wanted to be a psychologist the same year I got my aquarium..weird, huh. The road to this place has been winding to say the least, but at least I continued to walk...