Future Investment

I am at an impasse, I'm struggling to find a position within this field that I am "qualified" for and I don't have an excess of money to throw around as an investment in my future. I am mentally prepared to be in Grad School but, again, cannot financially afford it. I'm not sure what else I can do right now. I am trying to avoid taking a job for the sake of having a job but as each day passes it becomes increasingly harder not to push this aside and just take the first thing that I can find.

I so badly want to make it in this industry but chances  and opportunities do not come free. I do not know how make my presence known to the employers I seek. I've scoured job sites and postings but to no avail.

Struggling to "keep my chin up". It's only been about a week since I left, but it's been a brutal one to say the least.

What's next?

Just a quick check-in. I've applied for a similar position at a local college and I'm in the process of establishing myself within this industry. I hope to have more specific updates soon but for now it is much too soon to reveal anything quite yet.

For now I shall continue to work behind the scenes in hopes that I will soon reap what I am sewing.

Farewell

Today was my last day as a Student Assistant of BLPP at CSU Channel Islands. It's definitely a unfortunate departure that I knew would eventually arrive post Graduation but that does not discount that it was any easier to walk away today that it would have been three months ago. Throughout this nineteen-month journey I have learned numerous lessons, none of which are more or less valuable than the other; I have learned that patience, open ears, a willingness to learn and listen and a friendly demeanor are some of the best things I can bring into any project I pursue and complete. I fully understand why this University has received the distinction of "Great College to Work For" the last four years. Despite what others say who feel that I've been shortchanged. I would not change anything. It has truly has a transforming 19 months.

I have learned that it is possible to make connections with a dynamic group of staff and faculty that will endure throughout my journey despite where it takes me after the University. I have learned that it is possible to make a name for myself in an industry often considered "male-concentrated". I am empowered to join the group of women working within Education Technologies/Instructional Design. I am ready to take any upcoming challenges directly and smile through them knowing that I will emerge stronger and more diverse. I have been blessed to work with a phenomenal number of individuals that have supported me and allowed me the space to grow and gain confidence.

I have not shut the door to this chapter. I view it more as a necessary indeterminate sabbatical. If an opportunity arises to continue with the University (in a related way) I will definitely consider it.

My days at CI are not over. We are connected in many ways that cannot be undone. "We are CI"

She's back at last...

My boss is finally back on campus. I even briefly saw her today which always brightens my day. The time in the office turned into a whirlwind only moments after walking in-the-door. I was asked to be moderator at the Educause Annual Conference in October!! Faculty began submitting their videos for a project I'm working on...only they weren't quite what was asked for. Knowing how hard it is to record videos it wasn't easy having to ask them to re-record certain videos under more specific parameters but I'm hoping the end result will be that much better. Unfortunately for the faculty their videos are due by the end of the week so that doesn't leave much time to re-record.. Also, I hope they realize that the videos may not be used  in its entirety because I have different directions to follow and expectations to meet.
Nonetheless, I am actually looking forward to my meeting with my boss tomorrow morning. I am confident she will pleased with the work I have accomplished in her absence. I will be able to get so much more done now that she is back and able to advise me.
There is a chance that I can continue to work at the University but I don't have any details quite yet. It's just been circulating around the department. I believe it will technically be a different job but hopefully that will only comprise part of my time and the rest I can devote to continue the work I've been doing the last 18 months. My fingers are crossed. Wish me luck!!