I am a SCHOOL COUNSELOR! (finally)

Working at Capella was pretty cool. I got an entirely new experience with for profit education. I got to advise some very interesting doctoral (or doctorial - if you prefer to mispronounce the word) learners. I learned a lot. I got to work downtown and walk to Target field from work (probably my favorite perk). BUT I drove way too far to make it a realistic option long term.

I would like to take this opportunity to publicly apologize to the world, especially Nick, for having to listen to me constantly complain about my commute. 

And now I'm going to issue my final complaint about it. It sucked. It took up way too much of my precious time that I would have rather spent with my guy, my family, my friends, my dog, etc.

Okay. That's it. I promise. No more.

So, I looked for colleges that were closer. I am limited here in Mayer. So, it was time to take a risk. Time to get a little more creative.

I finished my master's degree in 2006 in school counseling. I loved my internship in Cambridge. I loved working with middle schoolers at West Midland Family Center. But, I have applied for COUNTLESS school counseling positions in the past and not gotten so much as an interview. I was told I needed experience again and again. So, with some hesitation and nervousness about being rejected repeatedly again, I started randomly applying for school counseling positions a little closer to Mayer. Fortunately for me, there are K-12 schools everywhere.

I happened to be surfing through the district HR web pages one day while I was bored. I have them all bookmarked on my computer so I can get from one district to the next quickly while looking for those hard to find, hardly ever available school counseling positions. I saw a .6 position open at Wayzata. Wayzata is an awesome district. Hmm...do I apply?  Yes.  Nick and I talked about the potential salary cut by going down to 60%, but decided I would apply. We both figured it probably wouldn't matter.

Until I got called for an interview. Then we talked about it a little more. We thought it was still worth trying. Then the interview went really well, and I decided I really wanted the job. And Nick, being the amazing future hubby that he is, said "We'll make it work." Actually, I think his exact words were, "This is probably the most inopportune time given that we have to pay for a wedding, BUT we'll make it work." He is right about the timing, but we will make it work. I truly love him for being the realistic one in our relationship and pulling me back to Earth.

Then they offered me the job (yesterday).

And I took it! The student services team is a very good group of people who are obviously dedicated to the well-being of the kids and families at the school. And the position is seriously perfect for me. The .4 counselor runs the testing and does more of the administrative work. I will be working with 7th and 8th graders doing the fun stuff like small groups, conflict resolution, coaching on academic skills, consulting with teachers about behavior and learning. SO excited! And did I mention, it's closer to Mayer?

I will be working Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 7:30-3:30. I am hoping to pick some additional responsibilities or sub jobs to supplement my Mondays and Thursdays, but I am absolutely thrilled with my new schedule!

Anyway, those are the details! I feel like it all happened so fast. They called me Friday, and I start Monday. At the same time, I feel like it took me five years. This was obviously the right time, the right job. I'm so grateful to my mentors for their support, Nick for his encouragement and willingness to reduce my rent and most of all God for directing my life is such an unpredictably awesome way.

I'll let you know how it goes this week! I am SO happy.