The Answer

Many of you read my last blog post where I was "freaking the heck out" about what I am going to do for the rest of my life (which is not an uncommon thing for me to do to be honest with you). I went back and forth from doing Athletic Training or pursuing American Sign Language. Both of them have very valid pros and cons but I just could not seem to pick one.

I wrote that post while waiting for another class to start and had many hours left in the day to analyze it. That night I called my mom searching for her wisdom. I first asked her what she thought about the post and how it turned out. She said, "It was great, but you just stopped! I was expecting there to be some sort of resolution, an answer to your questions, a happy ending!"  I said, "Well, Mom, I can't write the answer if I don't know the answer haha." We then spent about an hour or so going back and forth trying to come up with the best plan. I was hoping that after that conversation I would have my answer, nope, not even close.

Throughout the next week the question of "What the heck am I going to do with my life?!" was in the very front of my mind, so much that it was really all I could think about, this made paying attention in anatomy quite difficult. Question after question came up. Can I have a family while doing this? What would I do with this degree? Would I have to go on and get a masters? Could I see myself being successful in this? Could I have a decent income? Could I work part time? Where would I work? Could I live anywhere and pursue this?

After doing all of the research, analyzing just about every detail, praying about it, going to the temple, asking around, and many many long phone calls with Mom.. I have come to a decision.

Today is September 26th at 10:26am, I am sitting in the Gunther Technology building at UVU drinking a Jamba juice smoothie (probably an unimportant detail) waiting for my ASL Numbers class to start and I officially have an appointment with my counselor at 2:30 today to change my major to American Sign Language with an emphasis in Interpreting and either a double major or minor in child development.

When I made this decision I wanted to jump from my seat and scream at the top of my lungs and say, "I AM SO PUMPED FOR LIFE!!!" and I had a day dream where everyone in the hallways start applauding saying, "Atta girl Annie!" or "Heck yes! You finally made a decision!" But instead of there being a massive applause throughout the hallways, I have just taken a big deep breath, a sigh of relief and a big smile.

ASL gives me such joy. I can be 100% honest and say that I do not go a day without using it. Whether its signing while I talk, singing at my side without even thinking or teaching signs to my friends. I know that I have a long road ahead of me and interpreting is a whole new ball game but it is what I enjoy. I think about the next couple years and how many opportunities I have and I get all giddy inside. I guess thats when you know you've made the right decision yea?

Thank you for all of your support and words of encouragement! Bring on the new adventure! :)