A new home and a new future? April 29th, 2011 (see all posts)

As much as I wish photography was my full time job, it’s not. Right now I work as a caseworker. Although it can be a difficult job, I enjoy helping those I work with. I also enjoy school and I have decided it is time for me to go back. This leaves me with that big question. What do I want to do when I grow up? As I see it two solid options sit before me. I could continue what I am doing and work towards becoming a therapist or I could start over and pursue a degree in the medical field.

About two months ago I applied to the top two MSW (masters of social work) programs in the country. I got into both. Better yet, I was offered a $30,000 scholarship to the number one school!! This school is Washing ton University in St. Louis Missouri. With this news my attention was pulled in that direction and I decided to book a last minute plan ticket. Wash U had an orientation day scheduled for the coming weekend and I knew that if I am going to consider attending the school, I need to see it firsthand. Unsure what to expect, I boarded a plane Friday night and touched down in St. Louis at 1:00am. As I lay in a bed at a two star motel off the highway, I stared at the ceiling wondering what the morning would bring.

When I arrived at the University I was awed by green trees and intricate architecture. I spent the day learning about the MSW program, taking a class, meeting faculty and prospective students, all well pondering a potential new future. It was more than I expected. When the day was over I knew that if counseling is the route I decided to take, this is the place and this is the time.
I spent the remainder of my weekend exploring the rest of the city. St. Louis is so much cooler than I through it could be. Right next to campus there is a giant park filled with an amphitheater, zoo, museum, gallery, ponds, and more. Nearby there is a block just like old Fort Collins. This is a place I could get used to.

It looks like I have some serious thinking to do. In the meantime, here are some pictures from my trip!