so this is life as a college graduate

So, I basically moved back to Spokane for my boyfriend, as you all may know, in hopes of finding a job and learning some true independence. I say "true" because my parents will not be paying for my food, rent, gas, utility bills, cable, internet, etc. Luckily, with a little help and networking, I wound up with 2 jobs. Random jobs at that. 


The first job is working as the administrative assistant at the Institute for Systems Medicine (ISM). This not-for-profit organization is pretty interesting and is doing great things for the Inland Northwest, specifically, Spokane community. ISM's mission is to develop, grow, and support biomedical research activities in the greater Spokane area by examining and improving health outcomes of patients treated within the biomedical market. First, I had to take a class learning how to research and work with clinical data. ROUGH. I have never felt so intimidated. The medical world is so much different than that of Sociology or Criminal Justice. I am slowly learning and hope to be a great addition to the organization. Who would have thought that my OCD and perfectionist ways would actually come in handy...


My second job, well, I should not really call it a job because I have so much fun with it, is working with the athletic department as a humanities tutor/life-skills assistant. Basically, I work with the freshmen class making sure they are keeping up on their academics, their sport, and their social life--my specialty. Athletes do not realize, you can study hard and get good grades and still have fun. It is possible to do both. It is all a matter of time management! I also have the opportunity to help work and supervise volunteer activities with non-profits such as: Boys & Girls Club and Spokane's homeless shelter--the Union Gospel Mission (UGM). There is nothing I love more than to light up a person's day with a little extra help!


So this is where I am at. 2 part-time jobs. Trying to make a living in Spokane. All on my own. It is scary, stressful, and frustrating at times, but something about independence feels amazing. Let alone, I have the most amazing boyfriend in the world who stands by my side, every step of the way.