Plan B

Hello Ursuline,

My anticipated date of graduation is not far away. Before I know it, May 2008 will be here and the next chapter of my story will begin; real life and paying off student loans:) Wow...higher education can be refreshing!
I find it hard to believe that I left corporate America in 2005, matriculated into Ursuline, and discovered that a counseling career in Hospice was my mission. This was not “Plan A.” Actually, I began this journey with Nursing or Education in mind, but then came enlightenment. We have to recognize our gifts and not give into peer pressure. The Ursuline community has truly helped me to figure out who I am, what is important, and where I belong. I realize that I brag a lot about this college, yet I encourage you to open your eyes and truly see what this campus has to offer. The faculty will challenge, motivate, inspire, and open the door to the many gifts which lie in each one of us.
So, rather than going on holiday, I decided it would be more productive to complete my Ursuline Studies, expose myself to the graduate ministry program, and learn about the hospice culture. I opened my eyes and found not only a treasure in the summer classes offered here at Ursuline, but also my voice. Although, some have commented that I missed out on a few things this past summer, I realize that making the sacrifice was the best decision for me. The end result was that my summer was well spent, I learned a lot about my values, social issues, and what drives me. I would personally urge everyone with a conscience to volunteer somewhere. If you are a nursing student, then volunteer at a free clinic, if you are a political science major, volunteer at a legal aid or homeless shelter, but come to understand that we are all connected, one way or another in this great universe. So, not only are you helping others, but you are also getting a valuable perspective on the field you are going into.
When I started this venture, I took the time to look up my ideal bereavement job description on various hospice websites and became proactive in acquiring the noted skills. As a result I became a hospice volunteer who now works in many different capacities. I am involved in vigils where I am sitting by the bedside of someone actively dying, direct patient care where I take care of patient’s activities of daily living, and the speaker’s bureau which allows me to educate people on the hospice movement. This summer has introduced me to the valuable experiences that are a part of my career choice.
I would like to end today’s blog with the words of internationally acclaimed author and lecturer, Marianne Williamson: “In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.” Volunteerism is not about me, but about planting seeds, cultivating hope, and growing love.