I sat through a 3 hour meeting today with all the coaches, administration, and SDSU president. They discussed how to make their budget work for them, how to reach former athletes, and how to paint South Dakota in SDSU pride. It was actually quite motivating and energizing. But again I questioned where my role would be.I have this question all the time. What is my role in Brookings? At SDSU? In the Communications Department? With friends? With family?
Throughout the summer I had the opportunity to work with two amazing gals. They commented that they really enjoyed working with me. I wondered if it was because I was a goof ball or because I stimulated interesting conversation or if it was because I listened to them and asked questions. I felt this summer my role was to keep the morale going of 'we can make it through this week without going insane.'
But now it is school time ....
Grad Assistantship
I feel my talents in designing newsletters, save-the-date cards, announcing games, and using my enthusiasm to work with the public will be my main roles at work. I am excited about this; however, I need to be challenged. I want to learn to an area I am uncomfortable in and can grow and become an expert. Maybe news reporting? Maybe writing stories? Maybe corporate sponsorship? Maybe ticket sales? Maybe website development?
Communication Department
My classes will be intense this semester. I already have tried to forewarn everyone that I will be stressed and probably be stretched pretty thin, yet I am not sure if anyone really believes me. I am taking Qualitative Research Methods (sociology department), Advanced Interpersonal Communication, and Instructional Teaching Methods. Besides these I will be working on my thesis and proposing the idea to the IRB. If they do not like the idea I will be told to redo my thesis. This summer I have not done justice to it and fear talking to my advisor. I do not want to be held back a semester, which was the threat this past spring. ANYWAYS, I love my department. Except in class everyone exchanges teaching stories because they are all GAs teaching speech 101. I am the exception. I work in athletics. So what is my role? To bring a different viewpoint? To tell them cherish every moment of instilling the basics of talking to freshies (slight sarcasm)? I am not sure, but I do know they have welcomed me in with open arms and I am forever thankful for this.
Friends & Family
Basically I love my friends and family for accepting my worrying/ crazy/ outgoing/ awkward/ shy/ stubborn/ girly yet tom-boyish personality. Also, if I seem like a whirlwind and loving me even when I just cry out of frustration. Thank you! I do not think I could be happier than what I am now.
Future
On my ten mile run tonight I was thinking of my future. Yes, I know I should really not veer into this because it makes for over analyzing, which for me is intense. I have started to think about next summer. I need to start making connections in the cities at General Mills in the marketing and see if I can get a stellar internship. This past spring it appeared some would pay for housing, salary, and other expenses. I will have to have my game on if I want to try for this. OR should I visit Karl at SDSU and see about teaching aboard right away? OR should I apply to a PhD program at Arizona State University, George Mason, Boulder Colorado, or Kansas State University? All of these are top programs in the US. I feel an overwhelming urge to do this instead of teach abroad right away. If I do not do it right away, what happens if my passion and drive slips away for any of these? Good thing the run ended and I couldn't think about this anymore.
Jeff Foxworthy - Where's my sign?!
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