First Blog Post!!

Hey Guys,
So I thought I'd start a blog. This is mainly to keep people updated on my life, without trying to spam Facebook or other social media platforms. I've been wanting to start a blog, but I just haven't gotten around to it until now... at 1:00am on a Thursday morning! So here we go.

So these past few years (post-high school) have literally been so great. This May will be the official five year mark! How flipping crazy is that?? Like, I feel like I was just in high school...Wasn't really the biggest fan of high school, but can many people even say that? Thankfully, I have met some of the most amazing people from all my adventures since graduating! It's crazy that I know people from all over the world! Now if only I had a ton of money to visit everyone!

This upcoming May, I will be finishing up my master's degree in Criminology with a concentration in human behavior! I'm so ready to graduate. I definitely need a break from academics! But I'll for sure be back... at some point (I want a Ph.D.-but not now!). While I'm excited to start a new chapter in my life, I can't help but feel like I'm hardcore avoiding it. The future is coming and it's coming at full speed. I'm really trying to be ready for this train wreck, but how much can you really prepare? I've pretty much prepared by planning trips, and avoiding responsibility. I actually have to get a job now? I can't just go travel to Southeast Asia or Africa for the rest of my life? Dang.

Don't get me wrong, I do love my field of study. In fact, I have done ride-alongs with police officers and I love it! It's thrilling, and something I can totally see myself doing! But, part of me is conflicted. I know I will love it, but there's doubt, fear and anxiety towering over my head. It seems to be following me around and I can't escape it. It seems to be dumping rain on me whenever there are family gatherings or holidays. The lightning bolts are literally when people ask me: "Oh so what are you doing after you graduate? Oh so you're doing forensics? Oh so you're going to be like those people on NCIS! Do you know how to shoot a gun? What does that job entail? Is that safe? Oh what do your parents think about that?".

It's exhausting answering these questions and fielding these statements from others. Seriously.... unsolicited advice is the absolute worst. Like they mean well (I hope), but seriously? It's hard enough as it is trying to get my life together and figuring out the career path I want. I really don't need the ignorant questions and sexist comments. WE GET IT. It's a male dominated field. WE GET IT. If I had a damn nickel every time I had to fight off or address a clearly sexist comment or question, I wouldn't need a job!!! If anyone knows me, I've literally been challenging these "male dominated" roles my ENTIRE life. I was in chess club and had fun beating all of the guys that played in the chess tournaments. I won my first chess tournament when I was in 3rd grade. I wanted to play percussion in my school band. Literally the only girl. I even did a short stint, learning to play the drums (drum set that is). I wanted to play co-ed golf in high school. The only girl on the team..... The fact that people are SURPRISED that I'm pursing a career in law enforcement just completely blows my mind.

Also, I think it's really shitty that people poop on the dreams of others. Like if they want to be the President of the United States, dude go for it. I'm not gonna tell you no (I mean look who is the President now). Would it kill people to be supportive? And even if they're not, fake it. Also, I'm not changing my career path now??? I literally have a master's degree. It's not like I just couldn't decide what I wanted to major in while I was at college. I graduated undergrad in three years so that I could get my master's degree in two years. Why would I go through the trouble to get an advanced degree if I wasn't going to use it? C'mon people, get with the program. I appreciate people taking an interest in my field, but the fact that they don't know more kind of scares me. The criminal justice system is incredibly far reaching, and many of the policies are voted on by people. So like the fact that people don't understand the difference between a law enforcement officer and someone in forensics kind of scares me. Also, the qualifications are completely different (I didn't go pre-med for a reason).

Well this is turning into a long rant-I apologize, I promise there will be plenty of posts about my travel adventures as well as figuring out my damn life.

The next post will be about why I went and did a 22 mile "test" hike with my dad last Sunday! (Hint: Post-grad school travel plans)

Thanks for reading!
-GraceMarie

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