Social Work kicks

Reasons why Social Work kicks most program's behinds...

• We don't tend to get 3 hours of boring, long lecture...we discuss ideas together and expand on what we like/dislike about certain topics.
• We talk about real world issues and real world solutions
• We get more free food than your program probably ever will (seriously, free coffee/tea and munchies every Friday)
• We get multiple Orientations (again, more food), even though we're in third year.
• Instead of studying in libraries, we take social action and join city events like the Take Back the Night rally, a Mexico trip to help others, etc.
• The program isn't about competition and who's marks are higher, we work as a team and support each other
• Instead of 1000 people in your average Psych class, each class has about 20 people, and it's usually the same 20 people you share your classes with because the program only has 50 people in it.
• The professors are as diverse as the students...each is interested in something unique, and they are all either conducting their own research studies or just finished one and are all very awesome
• We have awesome Council, and so many opportunities to get involved within the various boards

I could go on and on. I really do love my program, more than I ever thought. The classmates are great, the faculty are great, the courses inspire me and the atmosphere is so what I need in life right now. It's a course on helping others, but helping myself too. Learning about mindfulness and the power of self-care first. It's an awesome program, and I wish I could share it with people.

I'm so glad I stuck it out and made it here. So glad.

First day.

First day today.

It felt so good being back, honestly. School is where I belong. I think I'm going to just be a professional student as long as I can. I love everything about where I am right now in life. Getting into the Social Work program worried me, but now that I'm in it I couldn't be happier. Since the program is hard to get into, I know the people in it now are people on the same page as me. People who want to strive hard and get good marks and help others and feed off each others thoughts. I'm sick of classmates who think F's are cool and skipping is ideal.

I finally feel like I'm surrounded by classmates I can rely on, and learn from...not to mention my program of 40 people (that's right, 20 people per class) forces us all to work closely with each other and form close friendships. I like that my program is so tight-knit and collaborative. I love that my profs would prefer discussions and real-life stories and experiences instead of facts, theories and dates.

I made the right choice. And I couldn't be happier.

Seasons are a changin'

This month is all about new experiences.

I finally moved all the big stuff into my new place, all that's left is clothes etc.

I actually love my little place. It's not big, it's not "totally amazing" but for where I'm at in my life right now it's nothing short of perfect. I'll put pictures up soon. Still lots of little things to do to make it "homey" like putting pictures up, flowers in my room, a rug of sorts, and some more seating for guests even though the leather sectional my housemate gave me is pretty fantastic.

Also starting a new program at school, sort of. I've been taking the pre-requisities for it through First and Second Year - but I am now officially in the Graduate Honours Social Work program at King's. 200 people apply, only 40 get in. And some apply many times. So I feel priviledged to have gotten in first try. And I'm going to work my butt off to excel in this program, because it just feels right.

And finally getting my mind focused on fitness. I've dabbled in it here and there and have spent the last couple years learning as much as I can. But now I'm ready. Now I'm committed. I have been struggling to cope with asthma holding me back but have adapted things to work for what I can handle - I can do sprints, stair running, plyometrics and weight lifting. And it works wonderfully. I'm eating so much more and so much better finally too, and I feel great.

In other news, I'm also cutting down on coffee thanks to Timmies upping their prices... I'm glad they did, because now I have to remind myself there's healthier ways to wake myself up. A jog, a nice glass of cold water, and a delicious breakfast.

This summer i've learned so much about myself and what I want in life, I feel on top of things finally. And I know it's time to make it happen. I'm young, I'm healthier than ever, and in my prime. It's time to shine baby. The seasons are changin, now its time for me to follow suit.