Preparing for the Next Chapter

This week I began a class for obtaining my professional counseling license. When I started this dream 16 years ago, it was a foggy, distant idea. I had been teaching for ten years and I loved what I was doing, but I knew I would not make it to retirement if I didn't make a change. School counseling seemed to be a perfect match for me. I could still work with kids, but I would be free from the trapped feeling of being in the classroom, day in and day out. For 6 years, my life was centered around graduate classes (one night a week), in between teaching, grading papers and attending volleyball games, band events, church activities, etc. of my 2 daughters.

This new career was the best move for me. After 10 years of teaching guidance classes and counseling 5th and 6th graders, I still love my job! The years seem to clip by so quickly. I can see retirement within a couple of years. I remember doing the math a few years ago and I figured I'd definitely be done by 2014.

Last year, I attended a retirement meeting and realized if I was going to have another career beyond education, I'd better start the next phase. The big picture looked overwhelming: 3000 hours of supervision hours meeting weekly with a licensed professional counselor, taking 1 or 2 more graduate classes, and the national licensure exam. But living with mom and having my summers off, I had time. I set a goal to just take the first step, which is apply.

Going through this process has been streamlined and easy so far. I know this is what I am supposed to do. Volunteering with victims of the Joplin tornado gave me the opportunity to meet others who are following the same path. I found a supervisor who lives just around the corner from me. My job counts toward the 3000 hours, so that makes it about a 2 year process to finish. I can see the end in sight, which makes me sad in a way, but I know the "new cheese," whatever that is, will be even better!

Education runs deep in our family. While growing up on Pleasant Street, I watched my teacher/ coach father work on his master's degree. It was a big deal to the entire family. I will never forget the pride I felt for him when he walked across the stage to receive his honors. He was a great principal and he has a scholarship named after him. My brother received his doctorate last year, the same year he turned 60!

When I sat in my chair as a returning grad student, I felt a tinge of excitement. Just like when I took my first guitar lesson, I said to myself, "Yes, I'm finally doing it!" Next week, I will attend the MO Professional Learning Communities state conference where our school is being recognized for the second year in a row as an Exemplary School. It is an honor to be on the leadership team and present our school's successes.

As I pursue the next phase of my life, I will take the lessons learned. When you follow your dreams, listen to your heart, and take the leap of faith, the future takes shape. I had no idea what an impact my life would have by taking the first step. Giving up our home and moving in with mom was the BIG step. Our forty year marriage is fresh and alive. We have no empty nest ruts; it feels good to continue to discover what else we can learn. I have no idea what is ahead with this new counseling career. All I know is I have good health, a supportive husband, and a passion for helping others. New doors will open as I gratefully enter this next chapter.