New Job for Ashley.

I have some great news to announce...I recently accepted the position of Counselor/Coordinator of Career Services at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston! I start Monday which is why I waited so long to announce my new position. I wanted to complete my work with my current company before moving ahead to LA Tech.

In July I learned that the position would be available and so I began updating my resume and references hopeful that I would get this job. I applied in early August, went for both of my interviews and then waited for the report. A week and a half ago my licensure supervisor, who also happens to be the Director of Counseling Services, called to offer me the position.

I will help incoming students who are undecided about their major learn about themselves, their personalities, what they like and their strengths in order to choose the right major. I will also help students transition into college life and aid in other counseling ways. I will also help with career fairs, work with graduating students on their resume, job interviewing skills and help launch them into society. Among career counseling, I will help teach a few introductory level seminars, work with different student organizations and I will be given freedom to develop career counseling in any way I can imagine. Obviously, I am very excited about this new adventure. Grayson is very excited and proud as well. We have heard only great things from Tech employees and therefore are excited to get on board. I already have my Tech ID card and parking permit. It's like re-living my college days all over again!

In saying all that, it is bittersweet leaving my current job. I absolutely adore my co-workers and really couldn't have done the job without them. My first job was everything I prayed it would be and more. I loved the people I worked with, I enjoyed helping patients and I was able to get acclimated to Louisiana through my work. I am especially thankful for Jessica, my co-therapist. It was a such a blessing to work with her. She grew up in Ruston and was my first real friend in town. Because she was born & raised here she was able to show me all the ins and outs of Ruston. Things like where to go for dry cleaning, the best cake people, the side streets to take when I need to avoid traffic and important things like that. She showed me some of the best Mexican food restaurants and taught me a lot about small town etiquette. Not to mention, my ability to accessorize has improved immensely. I know we will continue to be friends even though we will no longer share a 10X10' room, but I am thankful for her friendship nonetheless.

Anyways, I will keep everyone posted on the progress of my new job at Tech. School started yesterday and so I am prepared to come in next week with work in full swing. I am ready for the challenge though and excited to help some young students discover their calling and hopefully find true satisfaction in life through their career! Wish me luck :)