On the last day of August, I started what would be my final year, YAY SENIORITY! This year however, I will be commuting from my new home that is just over 60 miles away from campus. Perhaps some of you have or are commuting and completely feel for my situation. If you can’t imagine commuting so far, I don’t advise it but if you must, it IS possible and you WILL survive!
Anyways, I decided to move for a few reasons. Mainly financial but I’ve been a college “townie” for over 10 years! I moved to a larger city and don’t regret it.
I have made the most of my lifestyle change by volunteering at the VA Hospital near my home. I work closely with dietitians and foodservice employees. Volunteering has kept me focused and I’m learning so much that will help during my internship. I chose this particular hospital because it is also used as an internship site and some of the dietitians are preceptors. They understand where I am in my education and find things for me to help them with that benefit me as well. So, if you’re looking for a place to volunteer and you can stay near an internship for the summer or have one near your university, CALL THEM, they’d love to have you and you will learn a TON!
As for my commute-
I have classes every day and although I don’t have a dreaded 8 AM this semester, I know I’ll have one in the spring (I’m trying not to think about it). I spend almost 10 hours in my car each week and have some creative ideas to use your time well and stay awake behind the wheel. First, I invested in not one but TWO ipods. The first holds a ton of music but the other is used to record lectures. A few of my classmates must think I’m a little nerdy but what else can I do in my car? I bought a cheap (and so far, reliable) recording device online and love it!
By the way, I’m enrolled full time for both semesters but when I get frustrated, I think “May 8th of 2010… its less than 8 months away”!!!
My teachers all know my situation but I try not to mention it because I don’t need special treatment. If we’re required to volunteer outside of class and it doesn’t exactly fit my schedule, I make it work. If you’re thinking of commuting for a job or for school, my advice is to remember that dietetics is getting more competitive each year and your professors look at everything! I knew what I was getting myself into and I made the choice to commute. Thankfully, it hasn’t been too interfering. Above it all, I’m thrilled to be in my senior year and ready to get my internship! It may not be a typical path but I love where I am in my life.
-Jaclyn Blunk (jcblunk@gmail.com)
I like this post and I am glad that I am not alone. My drive to campus is a 53 mile drive; people always ask me why I just don't move closer. Well, financially it is not the best move for me at the moment. Quite honestly, I have been doing fine and my long drives give me some quiet time to myself. Being a dietetics major has made my life a little busier than I am accustomed to, but it has made me an overall well rounded and better person.
ReplyDeleteJaclyn, I commend you for the way you are handling your situation (you have a very positive outlook). I know that it can be hard on those cold and rainy days, when traffic seems to go on forever. I too try not to mention a thing to my professors unless it comes up or I'm stuck in some horrible road situation. As you said, “it may not be the typical path but I love where I am in life” and that is exactly how I feel. Good luck to you and everyone else who is working hard to reach their dreams.
Monica, I was so excited to read you comment! Like you, my reason was financial. My fiance works far away and he was told unless he moved, he would be fired. He commuted for quite a while and had a more stressful schedule than me so I knew I could make it work. In this economy, tough decisions must be made and I hope potential intern directors see my decision as responsible and necessary.
ReplyDeleteI thought I'd mention that i've had a rough time; I just got my car back after 1 1/2 weeks because of an accident. Although it was a stress, I made that work too so don't be discouraged if things get intense. Have a great semester and best of luck with the finances, I totally understand the frustration but you'll be a stronger candidate for it!