Tuesday, May 31, 2011

when I grow up, I want to be a...

The answer has changed many times.

I have dreamed of being a doctor, a counselor, a midwife, a construction worker (yeah, don't ask...I just think driving heavy machinery would be cool).

When I went to college, I studied pre-med. After taking organic chemistry, I changed directions and went towards special education. I ended up with my Bachelor of Science with a minor in Special Ed. I started to get my Masters in school counseling until I realized all the schools were cutting their counselors and would never find a job.

I have been a telephone operator, a preschool teacher, a nanny, a treatment counselor, a personal trainer, an HR/benefits administrator, an executive assistant, a photographer, a mother, and a pancreas.

Now I think I know what I want to be when I grow up....a Diabetes Educator!!

When Bryce was diagnosed, our CDE was AMAZING!! Because she was a type 1, I felt like she really GOT it and could tell us what life is really like with D, not just what the books say. The other CDEs in the clinic are super great, but they lack that personal connection to D. They know many families who get little to no sleep but don't really know what that feels like to test bgs ALL DAY, EVERY DAY and all else that goes along with managing D. I have always felt that feeling of same-same is so powerful in getting through all this. I've been thinking about this for a couple years now. Now is the time...

Going back to school and beginning a career is a great possibility for the near future. My kiddos are growing up. Both Jaden and Bryce will be in school full days next year and my baby will be in preschool a couple mornings a week with Kindy not far off (only 2 more years!)

So now I just have to figure out what I need to do to become a CDE. What (if any) of my previous course work will still count? What will be the easiest, quickest, most cost effective approach? Suggestions??


7 comments:

  1. I love this! I left the ADA symposium feeling the same. You have much more schooling than I do though becuase I got married right after HS and only attended two quarters of community college. I found my self at the ADA symposium offering hope and wisdom to those at my table and it felt good. I would love to be able to do that full time and get paid for it! Good for you, I will be cheering you on! =)

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  2. I have been thinking the same thing! Right before Adam was diagnosed, I was thinking about going back to school to get my nursing degree, and since I already have a Bachelors, a lot of my courses already applied. Let me know if you find out anything interesting!!

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  3. YAY!!! you would make an AMAZINGLY wondeful CDE!! Congrats on coming to that decision! :o)

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  4. You would be fantastic Denise. Go for it!!! I have thought the same thing from time to time. I have my RN...but...I am in a career funk. Don't know if I am even going to return to work at this point in time. We will see.

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  5. We certainly all have the perfect perspective to be CDEs...I'm sure that many of us will all end up with some kind of diabetes work in the future...good for you! Roselady

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  6. Such a great idea! It is way easier to talk with someone who truly gets it. I think, no I know you'd be great!!

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  7. You have certainly educated me through this blog. Even from 5,000 miles away you are creating awareness. I have no idea what it takes to be a CDE but I just graduated from UMUC with my masters. The course was all on-line and I loved it. It was great for flexibility reasons too. Work around naps, bed time that sort of thing.
    Good Luck!

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