It has been a long time to hold one's breath, two years in fact of working, planning, studying, and writing to get to this point where, as of today, I can finally exhale a huge sigh of relief. I am officially done with my Master's program! With excitement in my chest and glee in my fingertips, I savored this surreal moment and clicked 'submit' for the last time on this academic journey. I cannot believe I have achieved this moment.
I remember when I was thinking about pursuing a Master's degree, about what program I should take, where I should take it, and if I was up for the challenge being ten years out of academic practice. Looking at this from the backside of the 'submit' button, it seems like time flew by but I have the almost bluish skin to remind me of the long, labor-intensive journey that riddles the life of a Master's student. I can't believe it. Wow! I'm a 'master'! My friend says that since I am female I should be called a 'mistress' but unfortunately, that does not have the same translation as often evidenced in the English language. :)
Organizational Leadership, also known as Organizational Development is what I call 'making order out of chaos in companies and people'. It is a field of study which I am passionate about because I can help people and companies connect with their visions and passions and callings in life. Ultimately, this is what motivates and excites people to do amazing things. Often times, we get derailed, distracted, and discouraged from pursuing our callings which take us to places far from where we want to be. I hope to help people get back on track and discover who they were created to be.
With this sigh brings the hope to do things I have had to give up temporarily to allow me to pursue this goal, like have a life. I am excited to go out and enjoy the weekend, go hiking and dancing, write for fun, go for coffee, actually pay attention to what's going on on Facebook, go through my closet, and give my hobbit-like, book-cluttered room a good going over! Most of all though, I look forward to reconnecting with dear friends and family and deepening my spiritual relationship with God. How I've missed these relationships! I am thankful for everyone's love, support, and understanding while pursuing this goal. I feel like you each have earned honorary degrees for such actions!
In order to combat any depression from not knowing what to do with all the free time I now have, a wise friend encouraged me to celebrate...BIG! In two weeks I plan to do just that...Aussie style. I'll be heading 'down under' to Australia to seize the opportunity to travel and scratch another item off my life's scavenger hunt list. Boy, does it feel great to breathe!
