Pre Grad School

It's common knowledge that being accepted to grad school can be very challenging, and this is one of the things that scares me most about going back to school.  I've already almost completed three out of seven pre-requisite courses I need in order to apply, but the fear of "what if" continues to linger.  What if I didn't do enough, what if I don't get in? 

My plan is simple, straightforward, and what many admission counselors and grad school advice forums would tell you; do as much as I can to be the most competitive applicant.  By this I mean while one of the programs I will be applying for does not require volunteer hours, I am knocking on every door of opportunity I can find to volunteer, especially with an Occupational Therapist.  This has been such a challenge for me, especially given the fact that I work full time and am taking 10 units at the moment, but I know it's crucial.

I have good news...I found the perfect opportunity as a communications intern for a pediatrics company - and its online!  It's a win-win for me, I get to research about the field I am interested in, and I am able to help a wonderful organization from my own home.  In case you're wondering, I found this on VolunteerMatch.org, a great website that will help you find practically any area you are interested in volunteering in.

Borrowed from "Hokuto's Awesome Blog" on Wordpress

One important crumb of advice I can give is this - stay open minded and keep trying!  Even if it's not Occupational Therapy, or directly related to the specific volunteer hours you need, it may be a great opportunity to meet inspirational people, and who knows where it can lead you.

New Chapter

I used to think when you graduated high school you go to college, major in a particular field (for me it was Fashion Design), and then that's it, that's what you do for the rest of your life.  That was 17 year old me.  27 year old me has decided to leave Fashion Design and pursue a career I find more fulfilling.  Of course designing was wonderful in so many ways, the reward of seeing your product in department stores, (and actually selling out!) was exciting and motivating.  I was designing little girls clothes, from age 4 to age 16...I got to work with super talented graphic designers to come up with the perfect dog wearing sunglasses in New York (because dogs always sold so well).  I was living in Los Angeles, making good money, having a great time, and yet here I am now...I quit my job as a Girls Designer to pursue a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy. 
The problem was there was this feeling I had, a feeling that wasn't going away.  It began as an inkling - a passing thought - and grew into curiosity, which then slowlllllyyyy transformed to possibility.  I toyed around with that for a while, the hallway between curiosity and possibility, because I didn't think it would be possible to change the path I had worked so hard to lay out, the path I put so much time and effort into.  But ultimately I had to make the decision that felt right in my heart. 

I want to write about my trials and tribulations on my new journey, to help anyone who might stumble across this, and also for my own keepsake.  I know it's going to be a long road ahead, but I've already made the hardest decisions, what comes next is the rest of my life.