The Job

Last week I achieved a major adult milestone. I was offered my first full-time job. Benefits, vacation, sick leave, my own office--the whole shebang! As if that weren't enough, the remainder of my master's program is going to be paid for, which will save me over $25,000 in federal loans. This new reality is completely overwhelming. I feel incredibly blessed.

So what's my new position you ask? When I started grad school at DePaul University last fall, I began working as a programs assistant in the department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Discourse. Starting next Monday I will begin fulfilling my new role as the second department assistant.

My previous position was a student-worker position which was only 25 hours a week with no benefits, vacation, tuition waiver etc. Essentially, this a major promotion. I'll continue to manage the department's website, online teaching evaluations, and graduate assistantship applications, but will take on more responsibilities associated with department curriculum, student advising, and event planning.

I had hoped and prayed for this job all summer as soon as my supervisor told me it was going to be available. My career goal is to work for the advancement department, alumni association, and/or public relations department at a university. This is my first real foot in the door. Knowing this job will make me completely financially self-reliant is a huge burden off my shoulders. I'm grateful to my family and friends who've supported me and prayed for my well being.

Now it's time to decide what color to paint my office and how I'm going to decorate it. I have my own office...how cool is that?! I'm a big kid now.