I’m in my final semester of graduate school, and I’m almost there. I’ve learned a lot, stressed out a lot, and overall, I’ve become more confident in my work. Although I still have a few weeks left before I’m really done, I wanted to take a moment to thank some of the people and organizations that have supported me throughout this process. I wouldn’t have reached my goals to become a librarian without help from friends, family, mentors, coworkers, and the organizations I’ve worked with.
First, I want to thank my husband, my family, and my friends for their love, support, and encouragement, and of course, for listening to me complain when I was stressed or tired. Thank you to everyone who’s been there for me throughout the years—you know who you are. I couldn’t have done it without you.
I’d also like to thank the Library and Information Science Department at The University of Arizona for the scholarship funding I received in Fall 2020, and the Utah State Library Division for selecting me for an UPLIFT Tuition Reimbursement grant in Fall 2020. The financial support from both organizations was a huge help in paying for my classes, especially this last year of school.
To North Logan City Library, I’m thankful for the many projects and programs I’ve been able to take part in as an employee. Working in there has given me loads of experience and opportunities to put the things I learned in school in practice in real time, which was a tremendous help in class. I’ve also gotten to know and have conversations with many wonderful coworkers in the process.
To Logan Library, I’m thankful for the opportunities I have had so far to build my skills, and I’m looking forward to many wonderful experiences in this new position.
Also a huge thank you to Cache Valley Library Association for getting me started in this journey! The members of CVLA, welcomed me before I had ever worked in a library or started library school, and they encouraged me to get involved, serve on the executive council, make connections, and dig in to library work. If not for CVLA, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
Finally, I want to take a brief moment to thank my parents for, among the many other things they’ve helped me with over the years, buying me this backpack in 2006. It’s supported me and my school supplies through four years of high school, five years of college, and three years of graduate school, before it finally started to get a little worn. Old JanSport’s been a real MVP.
Seriously, thank you to everyone who’s helped me along the way to graduating. Much love to you all.