Posts Tagged "School Psychology"

Sweet + Sour

Posted on Feb 5, 2013 | 6 comments

I didn’t even know I’d reached a milestone until this arrived today! Whoohoo, only 80 more days of school.

I haven’t really talked about my job much because, well, we know I don’t love it:) But really, it’s going well. There are still plenty of days that I feel ehh about the whole school psychology thing. I’m just much more interested in mental health than special education. But most of the time I feel neutral about it. I do really enjoy the people I work with. And I like having responsibility and independence. Most of all, I like being in the school environment. I’m still craving more of something, but the problem is (and always has been) that I’m not sure what the next step might be in order to turn the corner in my career path.

Moving on…

Matt made dinner! In the crockpot that is. He assesmbed Kath’s pineapple chicken this morning and it turned out beautifully. I sure do love chunks of pineapple and the combination of sweet + sour.

Not having to cook dinner will never get old.

Happy 100 days of school friends!

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From the Back of the Buick

Posted on Jun 28, 2012 | 9 comments

Hi from the back of my parent’s Buick. They are driving down to visit me in Atlanta, but I had to make a quick trip home…again…

But, I can say the 24-hour trip was worth it – I resigned from my old job and signed the contract on my new one! Whew – I feel so.much.relief knowing what I’m going to be doing his fall. You see, I got a full time offer from the district in which I was working, but I wasn’t too excited about my role there. Being in an elementary school has been fine temporarily, but my real passion is working with adolescents, and I really had been hoping that I’d be moved to a middle or a high school (I had requested a school re-assignment and the people involved were optimistic). This is kinda a big year (wedding planning, Matt’s graduation, a honeymoon!), and I really, really want to be in a position that is meaningful (and financially secure), so I was pretty devastated to find out that I’d been re-assigned to TWO elementary schools. You’re probably thinking no big deal, but I had gotten my hopes up sooo high. I was so upset that I contemplated leaving school psychology (again) and just felt sort of lost career-wise.

But, I got really really lucky and found an opening in another district in a high school AND a middle school. That’s more adolescents than I had dreamed of!! Anyway, after I found the job, there were some problems with the hiring process because my supervisor didn’t know I was unhappy (and I needed a reference that could only come from him) and he didn’t want to release me to a neighboring district (makes me feel good:)), and then HR was not too pleased that I was all the way down in Atlanta. But it all worked out (thus the vague mentions of stress over the past month as I was trying to figure out my life)!!!

This year has been a career roller coaster. I think taking the part-time job as a school psychologist was a good move because it challenged me (a lot) and got me back in the field. But it caused a lot of financial stress, and surprisingly, the extra free time I had actually made me feel worse. Rather than taking advantage of working part-time, I found myself feeling kinda of worthless and lazy for not having figured out what I want to do (sad, I know). But, it was a necessary step in my path and I’m happy with how it turned out. I became a school psychologist so I could work with adolescents and I’m hoping this role (and district) will be a better match for me professionally. This fall, I’m looking forward to a fresh start, a full-time job, and financial stability:)

At Peace

Posted on Jun 18, 2012 | 4 comments

There’s just something about being in Atlanta that makes me feel relaxed and content. Perhaps it’s how simple things are here? There’s a slow, southern pace and the vibe just seems so positive. My living space is also simple, as I didn’t bring any of my clutter with me – only a few dresses + shorts for the summer and other necessities. I also have a nice clean fridge, stocked with just the items I bought for the week.

I also feel closure that the school year is over. I struggled a lot with my career this year and I’m happy to have survived the job switch and tucked that first year of work under my belt. I never really felt that stressed this spring, but I think the financial aspect of leaving my steady job was a subconscious stressor. Looking back though, I think it was the right decision, as I’m planning to stick with school psychology in the fall. I promise to update you with the details when I know more myself! As I’ve alluded to, there’s been some problems with my school assignments, going full time, ect that I was dealing with last week. But, fingers crossed, I think I have another year of my life somewhat figured out. All I can say now is that having the summer off is the best thing in the entire world and I couldn’t be happier with how that worked out!!

Today, I slept in. I bought fresh food at TJ’s, I signed up for a one-week trial at the gym, and I cycled. Oh how I cycled! The gym has the same bikes as my beloved Northeastern studio and I was so excited to spin on them again. And the space is bright and the music loud! I’m out of spinning shape after a month-long break, but I still felt pretty good in class.

Matt will be working very long hours and doing a lot of traveling for his internship, so I’m going to be making simple dinners-for-one many nights this summer. I’ve been craving arugula since Saturday, so I bought a big bag for the week. Tonight, I used the Tasmanian honey I got from the weekend’s wedding to drizzle over the greens and topped them with goat cheese, TJ’s lentils, and a roasted sweet potato with balsamic and olive oil. The texture of the lentils made me think of chili and when the hot sweet potatoes melted the cheese, the whole meal was reminded me of nachos! Fun.

It’s way past even my summer bedtime, so I’ve got to run. Adios.

4 Eggs & A Queen

Posted on Jun 7, 2012 | 7 comments

I’m done. Hopefully, the stress will come rolling off soon, but it hasn’t yet. I’ve got another six hour drive ahead of me and then I can relax. But only until Monday, because I’m coming back to hang out with my parents, start some wedding planning, and then drive up to Baltimore for my cousin’s wedding! And then, I can relax.

But really, it did feel good to pack up my office and turn in all my files. My end of year evaluation was scary, but I did ok. I feel relieved that my first year (well half-year) of school psychology is over. It’s only gotta get easier, right?

I inherited my inability to throw away food from my dad. I got off work a bit early today and considered just driving to Atlanta a day early. I literally thought: oh, I have to eat those four eggs in the fridge. So I didn’t go. Instead, I took a walk and made a 4 egg omelet with pepper jack and sweet potato fries. One day, I’ll cook again.

For now, I’m just gonna sleep. And savor one last night in my queen bed. The double in Atlanta is not so great. Don’t tell Matt, but I decided to pack up our down comforter, duvet, and pillows with sham covers to bring down. If I’m gonna be squooshed with a sore back all summer, I might as well be cozy:)

To the queen I go. Night.

School Psychologist

Posted on Jan 18, 2012 | 13 comments

Whew. That was overwhelming. Somehow I went from being an administrative assistant to having major responsibilities in a matter of days. I’m not sure I was mentally prepared for the intensity. Teachers were already stopping by my office for consultation! After six months in a desk job though, I could probably use a challenge, and the day flew by! There’s definitely a lot of energy in the school system. And the people are wonderful!!! I’m excited and scared at the same time.

I came home to recovering Matt who nearly fainted of nausea and dizziness this morning. I feel bad that I wasn’t around to help:( I made up for it in dinner though. I threw together some comfort mac and cheese, with a wonderful sun-dried tomato chicken sausage, and roasted brussels. It really hit the spot this evening.

I think some House Hunters will be a nice night cap. Another new day tomorrow! k night.