Graduation

[Sammy]

Remotely watching my graduation with my M.Ed. from Northeastern University. Traffic warnings in downtown Boston (because President Obama is nearby), I decided to participate remotely. Kinda wish I had gone, but... didn't want to deal with crowds. There would not have been anyone there with me so, I will enjoy it with my PTSDForum friends.

Way to go me. I can't hardly believe it is finished. Too bad no one wants to give me a job. I really am very good at what I do.

 

[Iam]

Congratulations Sammy!!!! YESSSSS....... WAY TO GO! This economy sucks, but I am sure that you will find work eventually. What would you most like to do?

 

[Sammy]

Well, the speaker for the graduation just totally dismissed my degree and everything I was taught!

I have a certification in teaching English as a Second Language. I'd LOVE to teach international students preparing to enter college. Sounds like a bit of heaven to me!

 

[kers]

Congratulations! I know getting that degree must not have been easy for you. A job will, eventually, come.

I hope you are celebrating yourself, your persistence and your resilience today.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

CONGRATULATIONS! that's such a big thing...I don't know you very well but I'm feeling proud of you!! That was not easy I'm sure!

 

[Iam]

That is so cool Sammy! My oldest son wants to go to Japan to teach english as a second language. I have a contact for him at a local school here which teaches Japanese exchange students our culture and language. Kind of hoping he starts teaching there first, but we'll see. I am envious of both of you!

 

[Sammy]

Considering all that has been going on the past 4 years, I am pretty pleased with myself. It makes me realize, if you want something badly enough, and work hard enough and have enough patience, it might just happen. This is a degree I have wanted for over 25 years. I finally did it, in the midst of a PTSD diagnosis, being in a abusive situation, living in a new home, and so much more. I think this goal has been what has kept me sane.

Degree was just officially conferred.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

I think this goal has been what has kept me sane.

I feel that way about my goals too. Even the small ones right now, like the paintings in my head, to the big one where I want to be a psychologist.

 

[James B.]

Let me add my congratulations Sammy! That is terrific. Big acknowledgement for all your hard work.

 

[Daisy_May]

Sammy!! YAY!!! Congrats congrats congrats. And good luck with the job hunt!

PS--ESL is very popular in Korea, have you researched getting a job there? I have a gf who has been there for almost four years now.

 

[intothelight]

Hi Sammy,

Way to go! This is a fantastic accomplishment.

ITL

 

[Sammy]

I have moved so many times, even the thought of moving and starting over again causes great panic. Every move is followed by a year or more of severe depression. It takes years for me to feel settled - just in time to move again. We moved a lot when I was a child (causing much trauma, I suspect). My husband and I moved a lot for his career. I am pretty sure I am going to have to move into an apartment next summer. Even thinking about moving across town is enough to cause a panic attack.

With English becoming the language of business, ESL/EFL are big in a lot of places. I lived in Europe for 11 years and it became home. But, I moved back to the States a little over 4 years ago. All very complicated but, I have been in a PTSD state ever since. Moving out of this area will only be a last resort! I finally have good doctors. I can't deal with starting over again.

Thanks everyone for all the well wishes and congratulations. It means a lot more than I can express. It has been a hard day - not going to the ceremony because I have a hard time with crowds but mostly because I knew I would not have anyone there with me. That is what hurt the most. Just couldn't make myself do it. By staying home and just watching the streaming, I can pretend I made this choice because I didn't want to be there. That is a lie. I didn't want to be there alone.