Thursday, January 13, 2011

What's happening in my academic life? The big words...

So I decided to start writing about all the big stuff happening over the next 2 years in my academic life. If you don't care to know about this, then don't read...I am writing this so I can look back on it and also so my family/friends who are interested can keep up with whats happening. Right now, the big words are quals, dissertation, practicum, and internship. As part of my program, I am required to take a Qualifying Exam (Quals) which means I write a huge paper conceptualizing a client and the treatment options. This is due in March. Then, I will have oral exams where I talk about different stuff in front of a panel...once I pass (being optimistic) I will be a doctoral candidate. I have started work on my dissertation. I am hoping to propose my research by the end of this semester (April-Mayish). I am writing about brain injury and I am collaborating with the Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky (BIAK).I will update whenI  know more about what I am doing.The next big word in practicum. As a part of my program, I am required to do 4 practicum. I am in Prac 3 right now (better than 1 and 2) :) I work at the VA (Veterans' Administration) in Integrated Primary Care. I don't know where I'll be for practicum next year, but its important that I get good sites so that I can be an attractive candidate once I apply for INTERNSHIP! I will be applying for an internship this November/December. I will interview next February (hoping that I GET interviews). Then I will rank where I would like to be placed and the places rank who they want. I will find out where I go (if I matched, fingers crossed) in February 2012. I will have to move wherever that is in about July 2012. Luckily, Eric has decided that he likes me enough to go with me :) If not, I would be a hot mess because I have lived on the same street since I was 9! A new city all alone would be overwhelming, plus I don't want to be away from EVERYONE I love for that year. hopefully, whereever I end up I can travel home easily because I already think about how much I will miss my family...especially my nieces! Ava will be 3-4 during that year and I will definitely need Skype to keep up woth how big they are all getting. Overall, this stuff is pretty anxiety-provoking, but I am SO excited that I am now beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. After internship, I will move back to the Ville and have my doctorate. Hopefully get a post-doctoral position so that I can get licensed. I want to work for the VA. Thanks for everyone who keeps me sane during this craziness. I love you!

4 comments:

  1. Patti----think Portland! So proud of you. Aunt Robbie ;~)

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  2. I have to say, those are some mighty stressful words you're talking about. They're manageable though if you take them one or two at a time. You're welcome to pick my brain regarding VAs and applying to VA internships.

    I'm ready to graduate already as well. I was hoping to be done by now, but I'm still doing practicum (by choice), dissertation (*sigh*), and am knee deep in the internship process (for the second time). I feel you.

    In the immortal words of Dory: "Just keep swimming..."

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  3. I find TBI so interesting! I can't wait to see where your research takes you with that.
    ***Don't you love blogging???

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