Friday, December 30, 2011

Ice Breaker Introduction

Hello reader,

Let me introduce myself the best way I know how, via ice breaker style. My background is in theatre, dance, and education - and in all of these areas of my life I have been asked to introduce myself with an ice breaker by stating my name, what I do, my education, and (as always) a fun fact about myself! Since I do not have a 30 second time limit I will elaborate a bit more.

So, here we go: my name is Molly, I am an academic success coordinator at Arizona State University, my Masters Degree is in Student Development in Higher Education with an individualized concentration in advising and counseling (I think) and my Bachelors Degree is in Theatre with a minor in dance (and almost a second minor in studio art). I have lived in Maine my whole life - born, raised, and educated. I am not a "Mainer" per say since I am not second generation - you'll understand the importance of this as I continue to blog.

Over a year ago, I started the grueling process of applying to jobs for post graduation. Over the following 8-ish months, I applied to nearly 100 jobs. I had a total of approximately 8 phone interviews, 3 in person interviews (only two of which I attended), and 1 glorious job offer. The offer was for a fantastic position as an Academic Success Coordinator with the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University. I don't use the words "glorious" or "fantastic" to describe just anything, but this position deserves it. I was able to find the ideal job where I got to work with young artists in an academic environment right out of grad school - this was exactly what I had hoped for. The idea of the perfect position overshadowed the fact that I was literally moving to the opposite corner of the country - honestly, I don't know if that concept has fully sunk in HOW far away from home I am, but we'll discuss that more later on.

I have been in Arizona for about three months now and the experience has been unlike anything I could have imaged or expected. I am currently on my way back to my home in Arizona after a week long stay at home in Maine. While I was home in Maine I heard the song "Small Town" by John Mellencamp on the radio, and it had new meaning to me. That's when I decided to start this blog. And with the new year just over 24 hours away, I think it's an ideal time to start a new project.

Thanks for reading,
- M