Week 3 (post 2)

I can't believe school is over now.  When I started at Conestoga I was very unsure of how I was going to keep up.  I remember going into orientation, and the 2^nd year students scared the jeepers out of me. They said that I would basically have no time for anything in life, except for school and that I would have to give up my weekends and do homework. When I heard that I freaked out a little, because I was not willing to sacrifice my family, and my weekends. I just knew that I needed to manage my time wisely.

First year was a breeze. I didn’t think that anything in first year was super overwhelming or anything. It just required effort, as everything does in life. My favourite classes were the hands-on Computer software classes, and I learned so much new things about the Microsoft Office programs. The only thing that was hard for me was when I had to wake up at 6 am to catch the bus with my then 3 year old in -30 weather but I got a car for second semester, so that was much better.  After first year, I felt better prepared to be a receptionist, but honestly that did not feel like a career, or anything special to me. I knew that I needed more to actually feel like I had something. 

Many of you know I took a year off because I got pregnant. Even so, I really wanted to finish school, so I made it my mission to do so.  For second year, I was worried I had forgotten everything, and lost all my previous work. Thankfully, Mrs. Bradley and Jenny were both so helpful, that I was able to get back on track.  Even with that though, third semester was HARD! Apart from having a 3 children (husband included), the school work load was heavy.  I actually found myself doing homework until 3 am some days. Likewise, I adapted the same mind set as first year, to do everything as soon as it was assigned.  It was still overwhelming, but I managed to survive (Zombie mode). The things we learned in second year were what made it all real to me. Being able to come home and explain the process of a civil suit, or a divorce was the cherry on top. I finally felt that all my efforts were worth something. 

When I started looking for a placement, I was really concerned because before attending school I tried so hard to look for a job, and no one would hire me. Those fears are real guys but I was surprised that when asked what we had done in school, I was able to provide a fairly impressive list of related documents we prepared in school.  That made me feel prepared for the job AND I thank God that the first place that I interviewed at gave me the co-op placement, AND also hired me on!  So officially, as of 2:30 pm last Thursday, I am the legal assistant at Pope & Valois. yay!

After school, and my co-op, I do feel prepared to do this job. I have now started to prepared documents, such as reporting letters and responses to requisitions.  I feel comfortable with this because I am putting to action all the learned knowledge from school.  I still have a few questions, but that is normal when you are starting. I like the career I have chosen and I am happy with it.  I feel it fits with my lifestyle, my personality, and my abilities.  

I have really enjoyed reading everyone’s blogs. It has been a really nice way of keeping up to date, and learning how things are done in other offices. When I read about someone getting hired on, it genuinely makes me happy.  I love that we are succeeding in our career.

I guess this is my last post.  I just wanted to say that I made it through school without ever doing homework on the weekend! Ha!

Anyways, thank you for everyone who helped me with homework, and in class.  Thanks for being nice to me at the beginning of second year and welcoming me.  Especially Mrs. Bradley, who was so supportive, helpful and genuinely cared for our success! 

We made it guys, yippee!

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