Hi Sara---thanks so much for the comment. I'm definitely still riding the "scholarship and end of semester" high. If only this feeling could last forever...but enough about that, you asked a question about getting experience before school. I fully support that, and recommend that you volunteer. Ideally you could find a paid position somewhere that gets you in the field and also lines the ol' pockets a little bit, but if it's looking like that won't happen, there are countless agencies (not sure where you live, so I'm going with my gut here...) that would greatly value your time and efforts. I suggest you find the agency that does the kind of work you want to do/are interested in, set up an informational interview, and commit yourself and your time to an unpaid position there. I know it's hard to volunteer when you're trying to make and save money, but it's a really great opportunity to rack up some experience, make some contacts, and learn first-hand what it's like to be in the field of social work. And aside from those more selfishly motivating factors, you'll be helping someone and doing important, much-needed work. It's a feel-good way to spend your time, and also spruces up the resume quite a bit. Sooooo, hopefully that answers your question, Sara. Please let me know if you have any others, and that goes for the rest of you as well. Enjoy the summer, everyone!!

Posted by Kim at 7:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Friends, this will be the last blog you see me from me for a little while. The summer is upon us and with that the blogging comes to a temporary close. The good news is that I'll be back as one of your bloggers next year, so sit tight until then....but for now, let me share with you all some VERY good news.

Just today I was informed that I received the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Leadership Development Scholarship. My hands were literally trembling as I opened the letter, and actually kept trembling as I read the first few words...."We are delighted to offer you......". This is a very generous scholarship that I recommend anyone interested in maternal/family/child health to explore:

http://cmchswe.umaryland.edu/leadership_development_scholarships/

It's open only to second year students with a health concentration and a Children, Adolescence & Family Health subspecialization. This year they chose 6 MCH leadership scholars. Aside from the obvious financial benefits, it really provides a phenomenal set of professional experiences--- from developing and coordinating a mini-mester course over winter break to writing a mock grant proposal. From what I understand it'll be quite a bit of work, but I think that's what in part attracted me to the scholarship. The challenge of it all, and the fact that I truly believe I'll benefit considerably from it. So yes, today is a good day. A perfect beginning to the weekend, the summer, and an equally perfect way to close out this past semester.

Speaking of the summer, it hasn't been nearly as quiet as I would have expected. I've kept busy working with my professor, doing the part-time catering thing, and yes, of course, spending time with friends. It's such a wonderful thing to feel so free with my time, to have it be so guilt-less. I'm expecting next year to be even busier than this one was---but I'm already looking forward to it. Such an adventure. I feel good.

In closing, friends, I wish you all a fantastic summer..... may it be fun, and relaxing, and full of sunshine! Please do feel free to drop a line if you have any questions/comments. Take care!!

Posted by Kim at 3:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)