It's also a strange time because while most of the Class of 2011 has moved on, I'm stuck here in Boston. I make it sound like a terrible thing. I know, I know, poor me. But I guess I'm just not one of those people that wants to be in college forever. I enjoyed my four years here, I've had some really good times, and met some of my best friends, but I'm ready to move on. If I could be starting my life now I would be. I had a good run, but my time is over. That's what I think about every time I see the incoming freshmen at orientation. They have absolutely no idea what idea is in store for them. I certainly didn't. But it's their time to grow and learn. I've exhausted most of what BU has to teach me. I have some amazing memories from this place. No doubt. But I'm ready for a change and I'm ready to see what else life has in store for me.
All this being said, you can imagine that I am SO excited for my Level 2 Fieldworks to begin next summer. L2FW, as OT's affectionately abbreviate them, are two 3-month, full-time, unpaid internships that students must complete before officially receiving their degree and taking the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy). As you can imagine, there's quite a bit of stress centered around them. L2FW must be performed in 2 of the 3 main areas of practice: pediatrics, physical disability or mental health. During the first month in the first semester of the program we are asked to start thinking about where we want to do our Level 2's and in what areas. A lot of it depends on housing, family-friend connections and transportation. Last month, I found out where I am officially doing my Level 2's! My first one is in pediatrics at Individual and Team Therapy Services for Children in Atlanta, GA from July-September. I literally cannot wait for this one. I'm a Southern girl at heart and am dying to go to a place where I'm no longer in the minority for my love of country music.
My second one Level 2 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton, MA (right outside of Boston) which I'm also excited for. If I really like it and they like me, there's definitely potential that I could be hired there full time after Fieldwork is over. But ya never know. There was a time that I said I definitely wanted to stay in Boston after college, but I'm not sure of that anymore. While I do consider Boston my home, it might be a nice time to go somewhere completely new to work. Just go off the map. Boston will always be here when I get back. :)
Everyone says that Level 2's are really stressful, but they are an essential part of your education. It makes sense. I've always believed that the best way to learn is on the job. Which is probably the other reason I'm kind of stuck in a rut right now. I'm not really a school person. I realize that's a relative statement. I probably wouldn't be a fairly successful student at BU if I wasn't somewhat good at school. But still, I learn much better on the job. Just tell me what I need to know. I also have to work really hard for my grades. They don't come easy to me. Which is why, even though a degree in Therapeutic Studies is pretty much useless without having a MSOT degree as well, my diploma means so much me. There were some weeks when I really didn't think I would make it. And yet here I am, one year and 6 months of internships away from starting my real life. I guess considering the last 17 years of schooling, a year and a half is only a moment in time. Maybe I should just try to sit back and try to enjoy the ride.
