After a long time...

Hey folks,
So it's been a long time, I know. Sometimes life gets busy-- you know how it is. I guess life should never get so busy for so long that for months none of your friends who don't live within ten minutes of you know what's going on in your life. But, alas, that is what happened. So -- first I will ask you to forgive me, then I will tell you what's been going on.
I got that job... that I wanted so much. It has certainly been tough, and for awhile there I didn't know if I was cut out for it... but I've been getting used to it and it's a lot better now. I am basically responsible for 650 girls living in a residence hall at the College of Charleston. I get to deal with a lot of problems, try to fix them when I can, and when I can't, refer them to people who can. I have a staff of 16 wonderful women, and they have all worked hard to make it a success so far. At first, all the responsibility really got to me. I felt personally responsible for every girl who got sexually assaulted, was battling anorexia, was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, had serious medical conditions, etc. etc. I always thought that I could have/should have done more. And then I just couldn't do it anymore. I didn't want to lose my humanity and empathy, but at the same time, it was impossible to function by living with all that guilt. So I had my valley of low, and got over it. I've become much better at dealing with situations, which I think makes me better at my job.
In the midst of it all, I am working on my history degree. That is going quite well... I am trying to put the studies first, but there is always some emergency to be dealt with, of course... but the plan is still to continue on to a doctorate in history... inshallah.
Anyway, summary is -- I'm happy. I'm doing something which is worthwhile in my mind. I'm in a position where I really do have the ability to impact a lot of people for what I hope is the better. It has certainly taught me that I need to lead by example... and that people are always watching, judging, and in some cases, just waiting for you to fall so they can take advantage of it. Luckily, I have wonderful friends and a boyfriend that support me through all of it. So... that's my update.

BIG HUG to everyone who is STILL reading this.