2 more interviews!!!!

Even though I blogged that I interviewed Connie Vitale last week we final met this past weekend. During our emails we only scratched the surface of the conversation, but we really got into depth and interesting conversation in our meeting. We met this past Sunday at Ann Sather's which turned out to be a pretty nice place to have coffee and chat. I was a little nervous because I did not know what to expect....lol. Once she arrived the conversatioon started. Connie started by asking me a few questions about myself and my career that she did not undertand through our email. She asked my what was my purpose for my private practice and I stated that I wanted to own my own business counseling and create programs that help individuals cope after a traumatic event specifically domestic violence and sexual assault. After my answer, Connie stated "you don't want a private practive you want your own agency". And after I thought about it the idea made more sense to me. I dont want to counsel only I want to hire staff members that assist me in couseling and create programs within the agency. I definitely learned something new about myself that was very exciting. After we got to the bottom of my dreams Connie suggested that I start volunteering with as many agencies as possible to gain expertise experience about agencies, how they are established and how they operate. I was so excited after our meeting.

She also mentioned looking into a master's in social work because my dreams can also be achieved through a master's in social work as well as psychology!! Connie said that a master's in social work gives me more a variety when it comes to the things I can pursue with the degree. She said that she would be keeping her eyes open for anything and anybody that would help me in my plans. So, now I am waiting on her email with contact information about someone who hosts domestic violence workshops!!! Meeting with people is most beneficial then email the interpersonal communication is exciting and you really build your social networks more in person not through email as much. Connie is such a wonderful person I look forward to seeing your again in the future.


Unfortunately my second interview was through email because she resides in San Diego, California. Even though Tracey is many miles away she made some suggestions that I am really taking into consideration. Tracey is a therapist that specializes in marriage and family. She suggested that I consider a master's in marriage and family because it teaches you systems, context, and about our social relationships. Often times people fail to recognize that our problems exist through our relationships with other people. When it comes to domestic violence and sexual assault our social world is very important. Because these issues usual exist within relationships that already existed in our lives such as family members, friends, marriages, partners, and aquaintances. Not only do these issues exist in existing relationships, but after the traumatc event has taken place its become difficult for the victim/survivor to trust individuals in their social world again and cope in society. I really apprecriate this suggestions that Tracey made. And Connie mentioned that Northwestern has a great Marriage and Family Institition. Me and Tracey are still comunicating!!


These women has made a tremendous impact in my future goals that I do not think I would have thought about these ideas without them. My interviews were amazing. It feels wonderful to see my plans change and grow into avenues that I could not have done alone!! I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT MY PLANS!!

I am currently trying to contact Beth Richie because she is very involved in the domestic violence movement. So, wish me luck!!!