Saying this has been a busy year for me would be an understatement.
Just about 1 year ago, I graduated a semester early from Texas A&M University... WHOOP! I graduated with a degree in Communication and minor in Business and so the opportunities were infinite.
For a hot minute I thought I was going to pursue a career in Broadcast Journalism. I was given the opportunity to intern for a news station in Austin, Texas. While I was there, I got to work with some amazing people and learn some amazing things. Unfortunately, I learned pretty quickly that it was not my passion. From what I have heard, that is the point of internships. Find out what you like and what you don't like, before you accept a position full time.
Soon after my internship ended, I took a position as an Account Executive in Media Sales for a radio group in Austin, TX. I figured mixing my passion for Media with the high potential salary of sales would be a good fit for me. From the start I loved my job! Everyone I worked with was great and I was selling radio advertisements and event sponsorships -- pretty fun job!
Since I graduated early and I have a summer birthday, I started working when I was 21 and recently turned 22. I found it interesting that anytime I told someone at my office my age - everyones' jaw's dropped. They were surprised that such a young gal would have her head screwed on straight and be so responsible. After awhile these comments started getting to me. Not that anyone meant anything offensively by it.... but I started looking at my life. I am only 22 years old. Is this ALL that I am going to do with my life? That question popped in my head and continued to gain more strength as time went on. I was beginning to look at my life and realize I needed/wanted/desired something more. I needed some adventure.
I heard of girls going to different countries to be nannies or Au Pairs before but hadn't given it much thought. But certain things kept happening that were pointing me in the direction toward Australia. I was starting to get unsatisfied in my job, I was living at home, I had a bunch of friends visit Australia and LOVE it... So one day I decided do some research and find out what this whole thing was really about. I joined an agency and limited my search to Australia. Within days I was skyping and talking with different families. It was pretty clear the first time I spoke with The Quicks that I was going to go live with them. I have been a nanny for a long time and I know how important it is to have a connection with the mother of the house - since you will be spending a lot of time with her. With Jodie, it felt like we have known each other for years. After doing due diligence, she invited me to be their Au Pair/Nanny and I accepted! I committed to 6 months but who knows when I will come back :) haha!
From the time I accepted their offer to the day I leave on Jan 4, I talk to them in Australia via Skype or texting! Crazy trying to stay in touch with a 17 hour time difference, but we make sure to do it. I think this will help when I get off the plane in Australia - I won't feel like I am in a foreign country strangers. I feel like I am apart of their family already. I definitely hit the jack pot.
Leading up to my departure, I am spending TONS of time soaking up my family and friends and hitting up every local restaurant I will miss. If you know me, you know I am addicted to my family - more specifically my niece Embry and my nephew Ford... and my unborn niece Lucy. I am nervous to leave my them, but my family has so kindly reminded me that my nieces and nephew will not remember me being gone... they are babies and THANK GOODNESS FOR FACETIME! My parents and brother have already booked a trip to come visit me for 10 days in March :) I am hoping some of my friends will come visit me too!
I hope everyone will keep in touch with me and reach out to me via every form of social media to follow my journey.
