Monday, April 25, 2011

One Year

It's been one year since the biggest change I've ever made in my life. I dumped my boyfriend of 6 years, moved from a small town to the big city, started several new and exciting activities, started dating again, graduated with my BSN, and was accepted into a doctorate program. The changes have been crazy hard but amazingly rewarding.
Breaking up with the ex was really hard but I knew it had to be done. I knew that if I were to stay in it I would never get to experience all of the things I feel are important. After I broke up with him I thought guys weren't going to go for me, I was scared to date, but even more afraid of being alone. Thank goodness I had my brother to keep me sane!
Moving from a small town to a big city was terrifying! I kept getting lost, I had very few friends, and I was so lonely. Something finally snapped and I came out of my shell. I was going to parties, bars, meeting new people, and reinvigorating old friendships! Then I started to get really adventurous and started dating. This was an interesting step! I was looking for fun, not a relationship and that is exactly what I had! The guys that entered my life the past year have really opened my eyes about how big of dicks they can be but also how amazingly wonderful they can be.
In the past year I have also picked up a few exciting and slightly dangerous hobbies. I learned how to rock climb last summer and fall and now I can't wait to get back on the rocks. I love the feeling of having a completely clear head on a climb. The only thing you can think about is your next move and nothing else in the world matters. I also became a certified skydiver which has been another amazing and clarifying experience. It was terrifying at first and I still say "what the hell am I about to do" every time I step to the edge of the plane that is 13,000 feet above ground. But the 60 seconds of free fall is the most exhilarating and life improving experience ever! And the 7 minute parachute ride that follows is amazingly peaceful and I can reflect on the crazy thing I just did and how amazing life is!
Finishing my bachelors was a huge relief and a great success because I am the only one out of my ADN class that has earned a BSN. I also graduated with high honors, on the President's list, and was able to gain acceptance into Sigma Theta Tau, an international honors society for nurses. I have wanted to be a part of Sigma Theta Tau for a while so earning this honor was huge for me. The same week I found out I was invited into Sigma Theta Tau, I also found out I had been accepted into an exclusive doctoral program at the U of U. I didn't think I was going to get in so I was thrilled when I found out! I'm terrified and excited to start school because it was one of the main reasons I wanted and needed to move to Salt Lake.
Overall it has been a pretty fantastic year! I can't wait for the new adventures that await me this year because I'm sure there will be many! My list of things to learn and do this next year: Learn to kayak, a trip in the Canyonlands, get my A license in skydiving, climb a 5.11, learn to snowboard, meet more people, go to the lake every weekend, learn to ice climb, and be at the top of my class!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Just Keeps Getting Better

Last month I found out I was accepted into the University of Utah's Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program. It was a pretty exciting day for me and all my family and friends. The program only accepts 10 students each year out of hundreds of applicants so I definitely feel special. I keep wondering if maybe they made a mistake but I'm not going to be the one to correct them! I didn't think I was going to get in this year because of my brief resume and young age but I must have done something right!
The program is 8 semesters long and I will graduate with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Doctor Kennedy at age 27...not too shabby! I plan on further specializing in Trauma so I can work in an ED or ICU and be very marketable for the Air Force.
I am very nervous to start school. First of all, I don't know what I am going to do for living expenses. Being in a doctorate program I'm not going to be able to work full time if at all and I really don't want to rack up a huge debt from student loans. I'm not worried about paying tuition because I plan on working at the U after graduation to get most of my tuition paid for and the rest will come from student loans. Second, I am terrified I don't have enough experience so I'm going to look like the retard of the class. And finally, I'm afraid I'm going to be the youngest one of the class and have to try to prove myself. I guess I'll just have to deal so I can meet my goal.
As I look back things are slowly but surely getting better for me and my life. I have some of my goals within my reach and it is so exciting! I have been positive and taken risks and I am seeing the benefits of my hard work and positive outlook.