It all started nine months ago, I honestly did not know what to expect all I knew was that I did not want to be bad at this. I was in a building that I did not know or love. I was going to meet eight individuals that were strangers. I knew that they were going to have expectations of me and goals for themselves. It is hard to enter any new situation having a deep fear of failure. Fear was the only feeling that I could define at that time.
All I wanted to be was a good RD. I wanted to make sure that no one saw my self-doubt. In those nine months, I learned so much about the job. I have come to love this building and I found myself working with phenomenal people that wanted to do their best. In my staff, I found different perspectives. I was challenged by them every day and every day I would find myself welcoming or forcing myself to learn a lesson. Bottom line is that I found myself having the best year as a first-time RD and I could not ask for more. There are no what-ifs in my mind.
I sit here on a Sunday afternoon in my office marinating and reflecting on the wonderful people that lived and worked with me for the past nine months and all I feel is happiness and gratitude. Once again, I am reminded of why I do what I do. I enjoy being around college students. I realize that lessons are learned by the teacher and the students. I realize that to be able to make an impact and this place a better place I need to slowly understand others.
My first official academic year as a professional was real and that makes me happy. I made some great friends and I had an excellent staff.
Overall, it was a great year to be a honey badger and I cannot wait to do this again.
