This past year has been a whirlwind; it just feels like it has flown by. And now it is time for me to think about what is next, and that is very scary. However, I wouldn’t have figured out what I possibly want to do without this service year. The pandemic has affected everyone in many ways and hurt some folks more than others, but there is no denying its impact significantly on the service years of my cohort. I am grateful for having work and still meeting people, even if it is virtual because I know that isn’t the case for everyone. 

Before I get into what I may want to do, I wanted to share what has gotten me through this uncertainty, and that is my family and the natural beauty of Montana. Being able to call family has been super helpful because I couldn’t travel home due to the pandemic. Going out hiking has also brought a great calm because I get to connect with something bigger than me. It has also been wonderful to go hiking with Kyra, who also works at the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education. Below are some photos of my adventures thus far.

In my work, we focus on making the lives of students, faculty, and staff better through the lens of mental health. My supervisor, the taskforce, and I have made meaningful changes in this area by acquiring services that everyone can use to better their mental health. And this made me realize what I want to do. 

I want to work either in student affairs, state government, or anywhere where I can work directly with people. If you had asked me what I would like to do last year, my answer would be much different. As a recent graduate still, I thought working with others directly wouldn’t suit me, but it turns out that is the type of work I love to do.

Another valuable lesson I have learned this year is how to be open to suggestions and listen for the right thing. By being open it has helped my current work and trying to find work for after my service term. Being closed-minded didn’t get me into service, so I know being open-minded will help me as it did before for after service.

This year has been full of amazing experiences. I have been through a lot personally and professionally, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I don’t know where I will end up next, but I am glad I was open because I landed in such a pretty state for a year. Overall if I were to use one word to describe my experience, it would be grateful because I have been doing meaningful work this past year and look forward to doing it more in the fields I mentioned earlier. I can’t wait to see what the future holds, but Montana will always be part of my story.