If there is, that's what I've been for the last two weeks or so. I'm in the thick of the end of semester crunch, and while it's been hectic and crazy and stressful, it's also been quite exciting. I almost can't believe how quickly this semester--BOTH semesters, actually-- have gone. I'm about halfway to my MSW, folks, and that seems unreal. UN-REAL. Because I've been so preoccupied and distracted, I haven't yet really had time to properly process what this all means, what I feel I've learned this past year, what I hope to get out of next year. I'll come around to that, most definitely, and when I do I'll pop back in and share with you my thoughts.

Until then, a few updates on what I have been doing. I turned in a 16 page paper yesterday in my Health Policy class. I did a group presentation today in my Human Behavior course. Outside of school, I've been spending a good bit of time getting prepared for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life this upcoming Friday. I formed a fantastic team, recruited friends from DC, friends from school, and family members, and we've actually raised more money than any other team here in Baltimore city!! It's a great cause, it'll be a great night, and I'm really looking forward to it. The only downside? I'm exhausted, and it's an all-night event. Goes from 6 pm till 6 am....but I'm sure the energy will be palpable and I'll be able to absorb some of it and keep moving.

Most students finished with their field placements last week, but because I'm co-facilitating a girls' empowerment group at a local middle school, I decided to stay on a few extra weeks and finish it. I think I've told you all about it??? It's been really challenging but also really cool. Totally new experience for me, and I'm enjoying it a great deal. It's funny to me...time with sixth-grade girls simultaneously brings me back to my youth and also makes me feel like I'm SO OLD.

I had my interview about a week and a half ago for next year's field placement...and got it! I'll be at the Florence Crittendon Center here in Baltimore, a residential facility that assists teenaged girls with residency, displacement, pregnancy, abuse and other circumstances. Their mission statement is below. How could anyone NOT want to work there? I anticipate that it'll be a tough year...but fascinating, too. It really is so cool how much exposure I'm getting to these various sides of social work. Consider myself quite fortunate, actually. On that note, friends, I'm gonna close. It's been a long day, I actually feel a cold coming on, and I need some time away from the computer. Hope you're all doing great!! Like I said, I'll be back in touch soon. Feel free to give a hollar in the meantime if you have any thoughts/comments/questions you'd like to share. Take care!!

"The mission of the agency is to provide clinical and educational services to adolescents in crisis. Services are offered to members of the client’s personal support system in the interest of developing attitudes and life skills that promote movement toward independence. All programs, activities and services are conducted in a manner that is sensitive to and shows respect for the cultural and ethnic diversity of our constituents".