So the other night, I could not sleep.
There was something on my mind, and unfortunately, the way my mind works, that means if I don't purge the thought, it will nag me and keep me awake until I do.
My brain was racing with all these ideas about health and fitness and where I want to go next in this industry.
I went to undergad at UGA to be a health educator. I was going to save the world, one person at a time. I was going to join the peacorps and give back on an international level. I was on a great track I was working on new and interesting topics each semester, and I was loving educating the community on different topics. And then I graduated. And I went to conferences and I applied for jobs. I remember applying for a job at The American Red Cross, and they told me I was "over qualified"... but, isn't that the kind of new employee you want, educated, driven, eager to learn and teach and save the world...and then a promising opportunity at Piedmont Hospital opened up...but it didn't get funded.
I was discouraged, it just didn't seem like anyone needed me (fresh out of college it is verrry easy to get discouraged, I wish I had leaned more on the network of health educators I had met along the way for encouragement and support). So then I just decided to look for a job, any job.
I got lucky. There was a temp position at my current place of employment. I applied, and I got it. I later found out that working in the University System you could go back to school and they would pay for it. I free education, and a chance to get back to what I love. So I developed a 5 year plan and I stayed.
I stayed for 5 years, I got lucky. Me taking that job has lead me to so many opportunities. I started frequenting their University Fitness Center. Through my frequent attendance in the gym I learned about a program where they would train you to become a fitness instructor for the price of taking the test. So I did. Then they said they need personal trainers. So I took the test and I passed. Then I decided to go back to school, I applied to the MPH program but did not get accepted. I applied to the Exercise Science Program under the Fitness and Health Promotion program and I was accepted.
The Graduate Program in Exercise Science was amazing. I finished in line with my timeline. As a matter of fact I had met all the goals on my year timeline: Boot camp Certified, PT Certified, established myself as one of the elite trainers and instructors at my gym; and met a few other goals along the way. At my job they were promoting me, I was applying the same drive and focus I had for fitness in my work life as well. I had nearly doubled my incoming salary. I also got married, that wasn't even on my list ;-)
Now I have graduated. Now what? I can stay where I am and keep educating through blogs and personal training? Or I could move on to a job in Exercise Science? Or I could follow my Dad's lead and start my own business?
I got into this industry to help people. I saw the people around me making poor health decisions. I wanted to be educated on all the issues surrounding making healthy life choices so that I could help them to help themselves. I feel like everyone is put on this earth to do something great, to contribute somehow to the greater good. All I know for sure is that I want to help people, and maybe this blog is how I'll do it?
So it is time to get back on track.
I need a game plan,
I am looking forward to see how things play out over the next 5 years.
I hope you will keep following me on the journey,
because whether you are a friend, a family member, co-worker, a teacher, a client, a participant in a class, a follower, or just someone who happened to drop by due to a google search,
you are part of the journey too.
So thank you,
Health and Happiness
L
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