The First One...

There are some firsts that come easy to me and some that make me struggle. Writing the first post on a new blog is one of those that is a struggle. I always feel this need to explain to readers JUST who I am and JUST how I got here. But, this blog is a bit different than anything I've done before...THIS blog actually has a purpose other than serving as a location for me to jot down random thoughts and observations. THIS blog is to archive a very exciting period in my life...My Return to School.

In 20 days (and counting), I will become a full-time student again studying to be a radiological technologist (rad tech) at a small technical college in the Southeast. My plan is to remain as anonymous as possible to save the identity of myself (and any trouble I might get myself into) and to save the identity of those that cross my path during this incredible journey.

I feel the need to give you SOME sort of background such as why I chose this profession. To start that story, I must first explain that I am nearly 30 years old and have completed a bachelor's degree in communications. During my first semester of college, I started out as a social work major but quickly realized that working with the welfare system was not my calling, however working with people was. My first advisor listed some options she thought might interest me, and public relations sounded pretty good. After completing four years of classes, I was ready for the "real" world. Unfortunately, the "real" world I had come to know was not *quite* what I was expecting and on top of it, I was not getting to work directly with people like I had hoped. So, I began some soul searching - it's AMAZING what Google can do! - and I found radiology. Working directly with people AND technology? What more could I ask for??

The program at my school is two years (or eight quarters). It is very competitve - only 18 students are allowed in each year. Selection is based on grades and an interview, so I knew that if I wanted to make it in the first time around, I'd have to work very hard in pre-reqs that were not required of me while obtaining my BS degree. For instance - anatomy & physiology. These were two of the hardest courses I have taken in my college life, however they were also the most fulfilling because I had to work so hard for the grades I received. I imagine that my next eight quarters will be very similar.