It has been quite a while since I have written you all about what has been going on in my life. I believe the last mass e-mail I sent out was during Christmas 2004. So, here is an update:
Winter 2005- I continued working on my Master's degree. The courses kept me busy but it wasn't as stressful as the fall semester. I was able to pick up a job as a research assistant with a professor within the Education faculty and worked on two separate projects with her through June. It certainly helped having some extra money coming in and it was a great learning experience. But it definitely made me realize that I do not desire doing research for a job!:0) I also heard back from the grant I had applied for and ended up receiving a SSHRC Master's scholarship. The funding started this September and has been a godsend in terms of helping me to become more independent from my parents and being able to pay for more of my living expenses. The winter term ended with a friend visiting from Sask. and I was finally able to visit the Calgary zoo. Fun times!
Spring/Summer 2005- After completing my research job, I had the wonderful opportunity to take on the job of a Social Skills Counsellor with the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta - Calgary Chapter (
www.ldaa.net). From the end of June until the end of July, I was able to spend some time closer to the mountains in Kananaskis Country as we had residential camps for children with learning disabilities and ADHD. It was certainly an adventure but very tiring as well. I had many experiences that I will not soon forget. August was spent back in Calgary doing day camps for the same population. Again, lots of fun and a little less stressful as I was able to go home at the end of the day. Lots of horseback riding, swimming and crafts were had!:) Personally, things were going well too. Earlier in the summer, I had found out that friends were moving to Ontario to take jobs with the Salvation Army. It was saddening to have them leaving as I only had a few close friends here in Calgary and was just starting to feel settled. Unfortunately (and fortunately at the same time!), things did not work out and they returned to Calgary in August. I was also fortunate to stand up at their wedding and so it was an exciting month helping them prepare for their big day and then to celebrate at the end of the month with them. My parents also arrived at this time for a visit. Much of their visit was spent sprucing up my apartment and my home is now a cozy, comfortable place that I enjoy spending time at. We also had fun shopping and visiting Banff and Drumheller. September soon rolled around and school began once again!
Fall 2005- This fall, I began my second year of my Master's degree. This meant taking on a practicum as well as doing work on my thesis. Both my practicum and my data collection took place within the Calgary Catholic Separate School District. I enjoyed both immensely, although it was very busy. A lot of time was spent waiting for buses and travelling all around the city. I continued working with the LDAA on Saturdays facilitating both a Social Skills program in the mornings for children with ADHD (ages 8-12) and with teenage boys making a movie in the afternoons. Early in the fall, I was able to make a trip to Saskatoon to attend a LDA national conference. It was very enjoyable and I was able to visit a friend for a few days as well. It was nice to get away but it certainly made me realize how much I love my mountains! And how much this beautiful city is feeling like home! The following week, another great surprise occurred! A good old friend from Acadia (Mitch for those who know him or have heard me talk about him!:)) was visiting and I was able to spend some time with him! It was so great to reminisce and to catch up. I had been going through a bit of a rough spot with my faith but, just like always, he was able to understand me and to help me talk it out. He is getting married this summer which still blows my mind! See more about this below! The fall semester ended and I was so glad to head home for a month to rest and to spend time with my family for the holidays. My parents had renovated their kitchen which was a very nice surprise!
Winter 2006- I returned to Calgary in January and had a very busy, busy, busy semester ahead of me. I was completing four courses for my degree along with two practicums!!! I was also continuing my thesis data collection! I really felt that I had no life outside of school! I am also doing some work with the Salvation Army Children's Village acting as a facilitator for family workshops and eight Tuesday evenings were spent on this as well. But I survived the winter and am now enjoying a breath of fresh air. I gave myself the Easter weekend to stop and relax for a while. Now begins the writing of my thesis. I am hoping to complete and defend it by July. Then I will hopefully find a placement to begin my provisional year, heading towards become a registered psychologist. It is certainly amazing to realize that I have completed a Master's degree. It boggles my mind and in many ways I feel so unprepared! But I am sure it will all work out!
Spring/Summer 2006 plans- Well, it is now the middle of April and I have many things to look forward to. As I mentioned, the next couple of months will be spent immersed in my thesis work. It will be time-consuming but I am at least free from classes and can use my time as I wish. I am continuing work with the Salvation Army and will likely be spending two nights a week doing the family workshops (I am supposed to be but they have to make sure they have enough people registered). I have also been asked by the LDAA to take on the psychologist's role (under supervision of an actual registered psychologist) for a spring Social Skills Workshop for children with learning disabilities who are shy or anxious. It is a little daunting to take on such a role but I am very exciting to take on the challenge. At the end of June, I am very excited to say I will be flying east to not only visit my family and attend my sister's graduation (Yay for Kristen!:)) but also to visit friends in Wolfville and to stand up at Mitch's and Anastasia's wedding! I am so excited!!!! It will definitely be a highlight to the year and I hope to see many people I have not seen in two years. Upon returning to Calgary, I will hopefully finish up the thesis and spend the rest of the summer working with the LDAA's day camps again (haven't officially decided on this yet though). In September, my sister and her boyfriend will be moving to Calgary- I am very excited about this too! It will be nice to have family near and we are excitedly making plans for all the things we want to do when they arrive. I will also hopefully be working as a psychologist by then. Not sure where at this point but likely with the Calgary Board of Education. It will mean continuing to live on a student budget but the experience will likely give me a good foundation to continue my career on. I plan to continue working with the LDAA and the family workshops to help supplement my income.
Anyways, I think that is all. I know, a
VERY long post but I wanted to fill you all in on what has been happening in the past year and a half. Now, I can refer to things that have happened and you'll know what I am talking about!:) Hopefully, I can keep up with posting!
Until next time- Love and prayers
