HOME AT LAST!

It's Monday morning... I'm sitting in the comfort of MY bed at HOME here in Sugarhouse after a great weekend with my 3 new roommates (Aubree, Lori, and Amy).  We celebrated the Pioneer's holiday by throwing a housewarming party (complete with a delicious S'mores bar) and we were grateful for the many friends and family that showed up to visit. 

Because I feel somewhat disconnected from my life as a nursing student, finally able to sit back and ENJOY summer, I'm going to refrain from providing excessive details of the final weeks in Denver... looking back at my time at UCH in the Women's Care Center, I really feel grateful for the opportunity I had to learn and grow with the diverse range of experiences I was exposed to while there.  It was a challenge, but it solidified my desire to pursue work in this field -- I know without a doubt that I have been called to be a Midwife.  But I'm still trying to process the past 14 months -- did it all really happen?  Did I move 2,000 miles away from family and friends?  Did I survive the rigors of one of the most prestigious, competitive, and intensely accelerated nursing programs in the country?  Did I actually GRADUATE from JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY with my third BS this past Friday?!?!  I think I've really outdone myself this time... to the point of not believing it could all be possible.  But once my diploma arrives in the mail, it will really hit me -- I DID IT.  I am now an NURSE!  Well, unlicensed, but still... I've worked so hard to get to this point, and I am SO excited to finally start this career that I've waited so long for.  I just have to get past my NCLEX (board exam) at the end of August....

As of now, I have plans(/hopes) to work as a nurse for the next year, and by next fall, I'm hoping to work on my application to the University of Utah's graduate nursing program -- dual degree as a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and a Women's Health Nurse Practictioner (DNP).  We'll see what this next year holds in store for me, but whatever is thrown my way, I know I'll be ready for it....  I have a quote on my nightstand that reminds me:

"Believe in yourself and all that you are.  Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle." - Christian D. Larson

And for family/friends who are in Southern California, I'm coming "HOME" this Thursday -- can't wait to see you all!  The Pacific Ocean is calling my name....