A lot has happened

I didn't realize that I hadn't posted om here since 2008..WOW!! So much has happened I don't know if I can do a two year update very succintly, for now I will hit the highlights!

In 2008, I was fervently working on completing my Masters degree in Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. This included a practicum in the Public Policy Department at the local Center for Independent Living. During this experience I assisted with coordinating the Get Out the Vote effort of the disability community for the now historic 2008 presidential election. Another role I acquired during this time was the co-facilitator of an advocacy group that's mission is to educate the larger community about the need for all forms of accessibility and acceptance of those with disabilities throughout society. After this wonderful experience that was truly"outside of the box" as far as social work I saw myself doing in the future. I was offered a part time job to stay at the organization and continue in these roles as an employee, I was thrilled, because I absolutely fell in love with the accepting attitudes that exist there and a piece of me would've been missing had I left that passion and those great friends behind.

In the summer of 2009, it was clear that the practicum I wanted to create within the CP cemter at St. Louis Children's Hospital was not going to be setup in time so my wonderful advisor setup a summer practicum at Childgarden Child Development Center. Childgarden is a joint venture between the St. Louis Arc and UCP/Easter Seals Heartland, they provide daycare and therapeutic services to children of all abilities in an inclusive environment. There too I made many wonderful friends, at the time it seemed this organization was in time of transition, many people who were there when I was there have moved on. However when I pass the building (which is pretty often) I wonder how the families and children are doing that I had the pleasure to meet and serve.

In the Fall after working out all the particulars my "dream practicum" happened I becane the CP Center's social work student for the last 3 months of my masters education. This experience could best be described by "thinking on your feet." It was INCREDIBLY helpful that the staff were very supportive of me being there and they had all been where I was at one time or another--learning as they went. The biggest lesson I learned here is that I can only help those who want to address what I am trying to help them with. No matter how many resources you give people or how many hours you talk them through solutions if they do not have the will to follow through there is nothing left for you as a helping professional to do.

The best thing I learned combining all these experiences, that I don't think is stressed in Social Work texts or programs enough is that I absolutely used concepts from my macro practice (community organizing) in the clinical setting and vice versa. These two fields of social work are never mutually exclusive!!!!

In December I graduated with my Masters, I continued my jobs at the Center for Independent Living and as a Child Life Specialisst.

In February, I turned the big 30 and many of my friends and family from throughout the years came and helped me celebrate in a MAJOR way...it reminded me how blessed and loved I am. The first of February also brought my third job as a research coordinator for the pediatric neurology department.

I moved to a new apartment now that is 100% more accessible AND I LOVE IT!!!!



Has there been any negatives, you ask? OF Course! but I see very little need to dwell on those things when such positive can be found all throughout my days.

I will end with a look into the future...

Hopefully soon I will schedule eye surgery that will improve my vision enough for driving
find time and a christian man to date

OR maybe a dog? Thoughts on which would be appreciated!!!!!