Today I accepted my first job...

This afternoon I accepted my first job, a Research Coordinator Position with the National Children's Study through the Brookings, Yellow Medicine, Pipestone, and Lincoln Study Location at South Dakota State University. I was hired as a Spanish-speaking team member who will have the capability to work with Hispanic participants in the study.

To learn more about the study, check out this link: National Children's Study Informational Video

My Response to Being Employed


Whoa! A College Education Actually Works?
When I graduated a little over a month ago, I really didn't think I'd be doing anything that utilized either of my majors. I had applied to the position at the National Children's Study thinking it would be a long shot. Contrary to my original belief, I will be using both my Spanish and Biology backgrounds and doing research that will be incredibly important to the health of future generations of children. I feel extremely lucky to be part of the study.

No Way! I'm Working in Brookings?
During the Spring of my senior year of high school, I would have told you that I had full intentions to attend any university other than SDSU. I thought college was for getting away, experiencing new things, and meeting new people. None of these things, I falsely assumed, would be possible by attending a university near home. It didn't take me four years (in fact it didn't even take me one) to realize that I was utterly wrong. I have never regretted attending SDSU. I feel that I got a solid education and irreplaceable experiences as a Jackrabbit; however, a month ago I would have told you I was nearly as certain as I was during my final months of high school that I would soon be leaving this town I have grown to love so much. In other words, I would not have hesitated to leave should a job opportunity in another city or area of the country have come about. I should have learned by now to never say never.
The fact is, I am excited about entering the workforce in Brookings. I am blessed with great network of family, friends, and professionals in this area who support me and who will be extremely beneficial in helping me make the transition to a new career successfully. Secondly, Brookings is one of the least affected counties in the nation by the recent economic struggles. Don't believe me? Check out this article: 20 Most Stressed, 20 Least Stressed Counties I'm not going to complain about this awesome statistic! Lastly, I have the amazing opportunity to be part of a study that will be conducted simultaneously in about 100 other locations nationwide. I believe the results from the National Children's Study will have a global impact. Jackrabbits and Brookings residents alike should feel proud to have a study center in our community, a community which I am personally proud to be a part of!

God is Good!
It's no secret that our country and many families worldwide are experiencing tough times in the face of economic adversity. I feel blessed to be employed, and thank God for giving me great opportunities.

Today, I'm Speaking with Dr. Tim Nichols, Dean of the SDSU Honors College

As part of the process of figuring out what's next for me, I'm starting an interview series with professionals who enjoy their careers. I'll be questioning them on how their undergraduate experience has impacted their professional life, and how they made the transition from student to professional. Part 3 is an interview with the Dean of the SDSU Honors College, Tim Nichols.



Post-College Experience Interview Series, Part 3: Dr. Tim Nichols on YouTube