In one paragraph, I shall attempt to catch you all up on my life since my last post - apologies for that being so long ago. You've been forewarned that this will probably be one long paragraph:
Over the past 4 months, I have completed and graduated from my dietetic internship, successfully passed the registration examination for dietitians (aka, I'm an RD!), become a licensed dietitian, started work as a PRN relief dietitian at UIHC, took two online grad courses over the summer (while working full-time...it was busy), moved, purchased my first car, and just today completed my fourth week as a 2nd year MPH student and grad assistant at Iowa. On the extracurricular side, I've continued to be involved in my church in varying capacities, been able to babysit some pretty adorable children, run a few races, tried my hand at painting canvases for my wall (which actually turned out half-ways decent), went camping. I probably left something out somewhere, but this description will suffice.
Throughout this incredibly busy, challenging, and oftentimes stressful time of life, God has remained to be ever-present and faithful. He's given me supportive friends and family to keep me sane, communities in which I am able to minister and serve, I get to live one more year in a city that I love, and my knee is finally better and I can run as much as I want! While the above paragraph may lead you to believe that I have it all together, by no means allow yourself to think that for a moment. I struggle with life issues just like any other human, I still don't know what I want to do with my life following graduation in August, and my courses and jobs have been challenging me in unforeseen ways. Not so much due to the content (grad school for me is not near as intensive as that of the didactic learning of undergrad), but more because of the issues, ideas, and thoughts with which I continually wrestle and regarding which I try to develop educated opinions. Let me explain.
In public health we are, obviously, concerned about the health of individuals, families, and communities. So, basically everyone. Furthermore, we quickly learn that, when public health is doing its job correctly, no one knows we exist. So, I'm earning my masters degree in a basically unseen/unknown area that often not appreciated and does not receive enough funding to complete desired activities. Additionally, my heart breaks most days for the stories told by researchers who have worked with the Native American population, other ethnic minorities, health disparities, abuse (physical and otherwise), and many other scenarios. Furthermore, my brain starts to become challenged in regards to human rights (what things do or should we consider a basic human right?), the government's role in the nation's health (when can we intervene appropriately when individual responsibility is not failing?), how to effectively help others, do these efforts really make a difference, why has the human race done such a terrible job of caring for the health of themselves and the planet, and many more ethical dilemmas. All this aside from the fact of me trying to figure out how a dietitian fits into this public health arena.
And then there's the issue of me still being unsure what I really want to do for my life's work. I have continued to really enjoy teaching (I'm teaching two sections of one course on my own, grading for another course), I like academics (yay school!), but I also like the clinical aspect of my RD job, too. About the only thing I've concretely decided is that I really like pediatric work of any variety. I have recurrent thoughts of completing a BSN, or going to medical school, or PA school, or earning my doctorate. I sometimes wonder why I became a dietitian in the first place and question whether this is really where I'm meant to be. So, once again, I'm not 100% sure of what I'm currently doing and I am in the place of not knowing where the next year will take me. It's becoming a trend. ; ) Honestly, this has been causing me some unrest, although this is subsiding now. I want to serve people in the best capacity I can while using my gifts. SO, what does that look like? And, who decides this? Me? Maybe my unrest has been due to an issue of control: Perhaps, unwittingly, I think I should be the one to determine where I am "best" serving and using my gifts, rather than my Creator who truly is the one calling the shots. Going back to the trusty Westminster, my primary purpose is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. Outside of that, I just need to trust God and remember that other life decisions and career paths will be evident at the necessary time - and not before. Micah 6:8 sums it up pretty well:
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (ESV)
So, friends, be just, be kind, and walk humbly. The rest will come.
