2013

       One of my biggest pet peeves is celebrating holidays (or any occasion, for that matter) without remembering the background meaning. So, on Christmas, I reflect on Christ’s birth. On the 4^th of July, you’ll probably find that I’ve read the Declaration of Independence recently. I doubt I’m unique in this, but, I do like to be a conscientious celebrator.

       So, today, I’ve taken time to reflect on the past year. I’ve noticed several friends’ posts regarding all that has happened over the past year and have been reminded that a lot happens in a year. A year ago, I was hopeful, but not very confident, that I would still be in Iowa City. I would never have guessed that I would now be employed as an RD at UIHC or teaching classes at UI this academic year. In 2013, I celebrated my second graduation in two years, passed my RD (thankfully, after 5 years of work!), continued grad school as a second year MPH student, moved into my own apartment, purchased my first car (sad to see the Alero go, but, I do like my little Honda Fit), have taken on more responsibilities at church, moved into the 21^st century with my first smart phone, and probably many other things that have slipped my memory. I’ve been challenged, in both good and perhaps not so good ways. I’ve strengthened existing friendships and gained many new friends, for which I am incredibly grateful. A few things that I’ve learned or been even more convinced of their importance this past year:

1. Never underestimate the importance of smiling at someone. Truly, I think it is among the easiest, comforting, and meaningful things that we can do as humans.

2. Take time for people and invest in them. Worth it every time.

3. The more you learn, the more you realize you have absolutely no clue.

4. Reflexivity is incredibly important. Interesting that it took my qualitative research methods course for me to realize how beneficial (and disturbing at times, to be honest) it can be to reflect on things.

5. New situations are only difficult and challenging if you believe them to be. Fake it ‘til you make it if nothing else.

6. Being a teacher is ten times harder than anyone thinks, whether actually teaching classes, leading children in learning music, or helping interns learn to become competent, confident RDs. The content is the easy part, it’s finding how to enable others to learn that is the tricky part.

7. Pretty much everything my parents taught me I have found to be true and I’m thankful every day to have had such God-fearing, devoted parents. I am ever amazed that they’ve pulled off raising 2 grown kids that are at least somewhat normal with 3 more still at home. Parenting isn’t for the faint of heart, that’s for sure.

8. People are often interested in your friendship, even if it seems that they are not. Worst case scenario, someone takes you to just be nice and polite. No harm done.

9. Connecting to a church is probably among the most important things you can do.

10. Life is perpetually in transition. Maybe it’s because I’m 23, but, I’ve decided that it is much better to simply accept this as the norm rather than fighting it.

11. Almost everything I’ve learned in public health revolves around treating people fairly with integrity, humility, and compassion. Where have I heard that before…

12. There is no point in complaining about things you cannot change. Deal with it, do the best you can, and move forward.

13. I like people. A lot. Anyone. I love nothing more than playing with a squirrely almost two year old, chatting it up with one of my adorable “older adult” patients, or interacting with students.

I know that 2013 has been a year filled with joys, sorrows, triumphs, and disappointments for virtually everyone. I hope you all have a splendid 2014. I’m excited to see what God has in store.