Training Camp…. two words that set off an alarm of sorts…. "dun dun dunnnnnnn."
Will my squad-mates like me? Will I like them? Am I physically/emotionally/spiritually strong enough for this?
ERMAHGERD.
I feel like I'm rapidly approaching the first day at a brand new school. The only upside is that at this “school”, all the other students (racers) are new too. That gives me peace. These awesome people that I've been building friendships with over the past six months are in this with me. And I can’t wait to meet them and hug them and hear their laughter. I can’t wait to worship alongside them. I can’t wait to watch them point and laugh at me when I attempt to set up my tent for the first time (#campingn00b). I’m bursting with excitement and nervous energy.
But as I start this next chapter of my life, I’m also leaving another behind. And it’s emotional. Eight years and one month ago, I became an employee for the Florida Dept of Corrections. As an ignorant and immature 18-year-old, I jumped into the corporate world the best I could. I remember seeing a group of men in blue outfits on my very first day and thinking, “interesting uniform for a janitor.” Until someone told me they were inmates….. and that’s when I learned what the Department of Corrections actually does. (I told you… ignorant!)
It’s been an interesting journey to say the least. I’ve been blessed to have had the flexibility to work here all throughout college, and I’ve been blessed with two promotions since graduating. I’ve worked with some of the most kind and caring human beings in my life. I’ve also worked with some who have been a tad less… pleasant, which has challenged me and helped me grow. All in all, I’m so grateful for the past eight years. I’ve really grown up here, and now it’s time for me to continue growing up somewhere else.
I leave for Training Camp tomorrow! Eeeeeeeek! After that I will head to North Carolina to spend two weeks with friends and family. I’ll be back in Tallahassee for the majority of August, babysitting when I can, visiting with everyone, and packing up all of my belongings (my parents are moving while I’m on the race). It’s getting real, y’all!
Can't wait to meet my U-squaddies and hopefully win sqUad WARS!!!
I want to take a minute to say THANK YOU for your generosity and support thus far. I am just shy of reaching my second financial deadline, and I’m overwhelmed by all the support I’ve received. Thank you for being a part of this journey! I’m forever grateful. If you would like to donate, feel free to click on the “Support Me!” tab on the left hand side. You can also email me at [email protected] if you want to know more.
