As many of you know a year ago I was in the hospital for psychiatric reasons.
It prevented me from doing the one thing I really wanted to do; apply to volunteer with the zoo. They only open positions 2 days at the beginning of the year.
Winter is the hardest for me. Jan-March I have the lowest points. So I'm particularly proud of what I've accomplished this year so far:
Attended the Zoo Volunteer Orientation. Did pretty good on the application, nailed the interview (which is a first for me, interviews are usually where I mess up) and got my volunteer position at the zoo.
Managed to socialize during the training classes, met a nice lady named Sue-- who later turned out to be my mentor. Been doing far superior in my socialization skills, talking to guests and working with my mentor and my peer.
I just graduated the mentorship today and next week I go in for the final initialization and get my shirt and badge and start doing my shifts!
Started a "TA" position within an ASD support group and learning module to encompass communication skills and self discovery.
I finished my IC(incomplete) class on neuroethology with a 2.0
Started physical therapy, improved on my range of motion, and started exercise therapy (which is brutal and painful and like... I teared up last time I did them.)
And I started sharing a lot of information about classes and motivating people to take some of the behavior programs at UW.
Speaking of UW I have a grant from WWIN to finish my education! I'll be speaking to their conference in march about what I hope to do with my degree and education.
I'm already enrolled for 2 classes, Zoo Behavior(again) and one with Mr.Beecher, (one of my fav teachers.)
I'm applying for a required lab credit, but this particular one involves enrichment activities for laboratory monkeys. They liked my application and I'm going in to an interview.
I managed to do commissions this month! \o/
I'm pretty sure a year ago this list would have made me cower under a table. But I feel so good about it, even if its still hard to get up in the mornings I am and functioning and doing shit. Kicking depressions ass! Yay!