Playing Chess with My Career

After several of my internship possibilities fell through, I've been in a rut as to what to do. Do I stay in wonderful, fun New Orleans? Do I try to go overseas again? Do I go somewhere else domestically? To help me answer these questions, I met with a professor the other day. When she asked what I wanted, the answers just flowed. She helped me to plan my coursework so that I can leave New Orleans at the end of August and return to Maryland. I'll have to take a few more online classes, do my practicum and final public health analysis, and graduate with my MPH in December. Yet again, just like my decision to join the Peace Corps, it's one of those life changing descisions that flushes warmth into to my core, leaving the hair on my skin to stand straight up which makes me believe even more strongly that this is the right move. At the same time it awakens me to the challenges that lie ahead- that terrifying quest for employment. So, for about the last two weeks, I've been overwhelmed by an oxymoronic sense of bittersweet fear, calm, and elation.

Its calming because I know I'll be home for a beautiful MD fall again and home to stay. I'll be closer to loved ones and that trail in the woods behind my neighborhood that brings me peace. Moreover, I'll be that much closer to the wide world of opportunity, culture, and diversity that is DC to me. I can finally start to build a nest, get a cat and a car and maybe even a garden sooner rather than later. It's calming to know that I'll finally be settling into a career, hopefully (I still thought inshallah).

However, this decision also brings a piece of trepidation. One that has crept up like the aligators in the bayou since I realized that I'm leaving this swampland. I... LOVE... New Orleans. It is a wonderful experience that will be a part of me forever. The pride here, especially when the Saints took it all the way, moves me to tears sometimes... It's a beautiful city that values the importance of keeping fun in your life and has managed to survive the worst of the worst in America. Not only that, but I have met some of the most awesome people ever here. Intelligent, selfless and dedicated to advocating for those most in need, my future colleagues at Tulane inspire me everyday to be better. The panic comes from having to leave this.

The fear is also about finding a job. I know I am competent and an excellent catch for an employer, but its a tough world out there right now. I'm starting now to play what feels like a game of chess with my career, carefully plotting my moves to get to that queen. I've been researching and making lists of organizations, contacts, ideal job positions. It's a bit intimidating, I'm not gonna lie. So, please, if you are reading this, keep me in mind if you hear of any opportunities that might be a good fit! I'm looking for an internship for the fall that could lead into a real job when it's over.