So I’ve
been eagerly waiting to tell you all what I am doing in New York.
There were
various reasons why I couldn’t really talk about it publicly, until now, but
I’m so glad I can finally spill the beans.
The main
reason I am in New York is because I was accepted into the Health Advocacy Master’s
program
at Sarah Lawrence College. I know, I
already have a Master’s and PhD in Sociology, but health advocacy has really
become my passion over the last several years.
My
experiences in higher education had two main consequences. First, they helped me to realize that I do
not want an academic job in sociology.
Second, they helped me to realize that there is a massive hole in the
higher education system that does not work to the benefit/favor of chronically
ill students, and this is a hole that I am determined to fill.
I found
out about the Sarah Lawrence program rather serendipitously. A few years ago, I was asked to do a review of the book The Patient’s Checklist, by Elizabeth Bailey,
for my blog. Elizabeth was a student in
the Sarah Lawrence program, and the forward of the book was written by Laura
Weil, a professor in the program. I
never intended to do more schooling after my PhD, but in this case, it felt
right.
The Health
Advocacy program at Sarah Lawrence was the first in the country, and maintains
a very high level of selectivity. I can
already tell that I am in the company of like-minded people, which is such a
change from my previous graduate school experience, in which my health issues
and the passions that came from them were silenced rather than celebrated.
So I
researched the program, realized that it was perfect for me, and applied. I was accepted in February, and had
orientation last week. Classes start
this week. And I’m trying to get used to
being back in classes, rather than teaching and working on my
dissertation.
I also
will be working at The Partnership For
Palliative Care
as their Healthcare Social Media Intern.
It is really exciting to be using the skills I have gained as a chronic
illness blogger in a new environment.
On the
blogging front, I am excited to be joining the blogging team over at Creaky Joints under the auspices of The
RA Academe. I am also excited to have
joined the blogging team at rheumatoidarthritis.net, a new and great site
by Health Union.
I’m
getting used to life in New York City, of which my next post will discuss what
it’s like to have RA and live the city life.
But for now, I’m so excited and grateful for all of the amazing
opportunities that have come my way.
The last
time I saw my rheumatologist, right before I left Michigan, he told me that I
seemed different, more confident and sure of myself. I told him my future plans and how my
illnesses have been a driving force of what I hope to do with my life. He thanked me for my willingness to use my
experiences to help others. And it’s
really the first time that I realized that we are on the same team. We have the same goals. And if it weren’t for these illnesses, I’m
not sure what I would be doing right now, but it probably wouldn’t have been
the right thing.
It’s
always a bit strange and surreal to find the good out of the chronic illness
experience. But I can say for sure that
if it weren’t for lupus and RA, I wouldn’t be where I am right now.
While I
miss Michigan and my family and friends greatly, this is a really exciting time
in my life. I think I have finally found
my niche in terms of the education and work opportunities that I am embarking
on (city life not so much…yet…)!
An exciting time indeed! So glad that you are right where you belong and doing something you are so passionate about.
ReplyDeleteSounds fantastic, Leslie! Looking forward to hearing more about it!
ReplyDeleteAs always Leslie, your posts give me that kick of inspiration that I need at the end of the day. In retrospect, I am glad to hear you feel on the same team as your rheumatologist. From what I have read, it seems like many people feel at odds with their rheumatologist, which is troubling.
ReplyDelete