Re: : Returning to school.../thank you

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Hi ,Just as with , you have had a journey, too, and all the while you have supported us all in this list. Bravo! All the while you may well have dealt with adversities that you have only hinted at, whilst doing your research, whilst supporting and empathising with everyone else here. All much appreciated, Judy B, Scotland. To: "aspires-relationships " <aspires-relationships > Sent: Monday, 7 May 2012, 3:37 Subject: : Returning to school... Hi :Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!! There are many folks that have gone back to complete their degrees or get new ones due to our current economy. I am “one†of those folks. It has been an incredible journey for me. I wish that for you.As I work towards my Bachelor’s in family services I am reminded that

when a teacher asked students in the 80’s, “How many of you upon completing your degree, believe you will get a job?†Back then 100% raised their hand and did. Ask the question today to University students and you will be lucky to get anyone to raise their hand due to our current economy. Depressing to some, but you need to want the degree for YOUR reasons. I know many who could not go the distance or are noe change their minds for different reasons and it ids OK if it is OK with YOU!My degree I just got is in Addiction Studies/Psychology and it has been a road of self reflection. Learning about family dynamics from my personal experience with my family rules, roles, cultural values to how the environment helped shape my perspective on life, was the best therapy I ever received. I had to do the work and it was painful at times. I had to address my own bad behavior and how that influenced the choices I have

made in during my life span.As a child I always wanted to go into social work. My mother who later became a Director for Children Services in California said, “NO!†You are too companionate and have too much empathy. Well, times have changed and this is one of many qualities they now look for. You can be strong and compassionate at the same time. Being arrogant and treating clients like garbage is no longer a good quality to have and does not work in the field. I am NOT saying that was a requirement years ago, but barking orders at folks do not motivate them to change. Now a day you have to be aware of cultural differences and respectful. People have always said, you are a good listerner and non judgemental. You will make a GREAT counselor. The reality is, I am judgemental, I just never aired my thoughts in public, OK I have slippoed a few times. lol Then I had to deal with

"where" these thoughts were coming from. lol We all have them. It explained choices I made in my life when I was younger all grounded in my childhood and the enviroment I was exposed too. I grew up in the SF Bay Area that was home to diversity and yet their were barriers when I was growing up I did not cross. It was embedded in me. Now, i realize it was fear and thinking errors. Issues like racism and poverty are intergernerational. They can be subtle. My family was open to all races but had a bottom line. You marry up and not down and they saw "down" as the color of ones skin. Be friends, but never marry. I was just a kid and took on some of these roles. We also had a family rule that was a "don't ask, don't tell policy". "What is said in the family, STAYS in the family". This rule was in a zillion families back in my day. Enough of me.I don’t want to make this about me

and take the spot light off of you and I apologize if I did. I just want to say, “Good for you!†I have loved the interaction and critical thinking components and it has made me a better and more rounded individual.I have actually met some students that have disclosed they have AS. It makes one look at life through new lens, especially in today’s times.I wish you the best!Others back in school?????????------------------------------------ "We each have our own way of living in the world, together we are like a symphony.Some are the melody, some are the rhythm, some are the harmony It all blends together, we are like a symphony, and each part is crucial.We all contribute to the song of life." ...Sondra We might not always agree; but

TOGETHER we will make a difference. ASPIRES is a closed, confidential, moderated list.Responsibility for posts to ASPIRES lies entirely with the original author. Do NOT post mail off-list without the author's permission. When in doubt, please refer to our list rules at: http://www.aspires-relationships.com/info_rules.htm ASPIRES ~ Climbing the mountain TOGETHER http://www.aspires-relationships.com