The Graduate

It's been about a month and a half since I updated my blog. SSSOOOO many exciting things to write about. Where to start... Who said life after graduation would get any easier????

The first great piece of information to share - I have an internship! Towards the end of school I sent out about 4 more applications to internship sites all around the country. One of the places was at the Oregon State Hospital in Salem. I had my interview during finals week and I thought it went extremely well! I was sad to hear at the end of the interview that they were not going to make a decision until about September. And THEN one week later they called me to say that I got it! I was so excited! This internship site really fits with what I am looking for as far as population, location, and treatment philosophy. I felt really good about it and received a confirmation from Heavenly Father that this is where I was supposed to be. So I accepted it! I will start the beginning of next year (January 2014).
And the BEST part is, my friend Marisa Johnson has her internship in Portland at the same time! Perfect :)

Second-of-ly, I GRADUATED!!! (well, sort of) In the music therapy program I technically don't "graduate" and get my degree until my internship is finished. But I DID get to walk at graduation! It was fun to get all dressed up and feel all fancy with some medallions around my neck. Best part of that day? During the general commencement with the thousands of students attended, the president of our university was detailing some of the accomplishments of our graduating class students. And of course, when I wasn't paying attention, he began to talk about me and my trip to Africa! He also mentioned the research I had completed through the Honors Program and how it related to music therapy!! How awesome was that?!? All in all, what a wonderful day celebrating this event with friends and family. Also, my beautiful and talented sister Sandi Fawson also graduated! (one day before me haha). So proud of her as well!

I wish I could say that I am 100% done with school. I am dealing with the consequences of procrastinating my online human anatomy class for the past year and so now I get to try to finish the whole course in two months. All I need is a C to pass haha. And I have also been practicing for my Level 3 exams. (75 memorized songs, on both piano and guitar, in two keys). This summer is quite busier than I would like it to be but that is alright. Once it is over that will be a relief!

Third-of-ly, I went on an awesome graduation road trip with Marisa Johnson and MaryJane Dibble! We traveled down to Southern Utah to see Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Monticello, and Moab. It was a little cold with the wind chill but we managed to see all of the best places just at the right time. We also went to the Manti temple on our way home!
It was a fun trip with great friends.

Fourth-of-ly, I have been training for a marathon again! I signed up for the Top of Utah Marathon that will take place on September 21st. In April I ran the Salt Lake City Half Marathon and a few weeks ago I ran the Ogden Half Marathon! Both of these past two races occurred on days when there was a lot of rain. I was drenched both times from head to toe. Hopefully my next race has some nicer weather. I have also been going to the Copper Mountain Cross Fit with my sister Kelli. We go about 3-4 times per week and it kicks our butts! I really enjoy the challenging workouts and, although it wipes me out for the day, I feel like I am making improvements in small steps.

Last-of-ly, I am working two jobs this summer! I am back to work at West Ridge Academy where I started last summer. I work with the home staff on the evenings and weekends. I really enjoy my time there and there are even some familiar faces from last summer! I also work at the South County Outdoor Swimming Pool, yes the pool where I have been working since I was 15 years old haha. I have been promoted to a facility supervisor and so far I really like my job! There are about one million things to learn so it keeps me on my toes. That job will only go through the end of August so that will keep me busy busy busy!

I am enjoying the nice weather, living at home, and spending time with my family. I am missing my friends from USU, from the music therapy program, from my study abroad program, and from Ghana. It has been quite a journey for me since starting at USU back in 2007. But I am finally ready to be moving on with a new chapter of my life.
I just can't wait to see what is around the next page!