I am still in shock. I recently found out I was accepted to be a part of the spring 2012 cohort of the Portland Senior Experience. PDXSX is a program run through the School of Journalism and Communication and is designed to help students gain work experience while also finishing up classes. This year I am one of the lucky 25 students who will be partaking in this incredible opportunity.
As excited and grateful as I am for being accepted into this program, I am extremely nervous about all that comes with it. I will be moving to a new city, away from my friends and significant other. I will have to find someone to take over my lease and find a place to rent in Portland, hopefully a place that will let me bring my adorable little puppy Charley with me. On top of that I will still be taking classes as well as finding internship work.
As nerve-wracking as it all is, it will be a great transition into post-graduate life. I had always planned on moving up north after I completed school. Being able to explore the city and network with local industry professionals before graduation will be extremely beneficial.
While moving to Portland is an adventure in itself, I am most excited about gaining internship experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed my college years and have learned so much both in and out of the classroom. It was a long journey, it took me a while to find a career path that really excited me. I have been studying public relations for the past couple of years and I am excited to put everything I learn in class to good use.
With my graduation date drawing nearer and nearer, I have been constantly asking myself, ‘what’s next?’ Its a scary and uncertain time, the possibilities are endless. Now that I will be attending this program, I feel like I have a clearer path. My goal for spring term is to experience as much as I can and learn from all the experienced professionals I will be working with in and outside of the classroom. I am no longer fearing life after graduation, I’m preparing for it. Its time for the real world and I am ready.
Days later, my mind is still racing with everything I will have to do before the spring. Little hints of self-doubt are also sneaking in. Then I realize how lucky I am and how much I will be learning and then I starting jumping for joy like a little school girl. Get ready Portland, I’m coming for you!
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