Utah Activities

Since moving back to Utah, Wesley and I have explored so many places in Utah. We drove up to Logan, went to the zoo, a Bees game, Thanksgiving Point, the Utah Symphony, and this weekend we are going on a hike and to Stadium of Fire. Wesley hadn't been to many of the places so it was fun to explore it with him for the first time. I've never been to Stadium of Fire so I am so excited to go. Journey is the musical guest and there will be an air show and fireworks. Though there are many things I miss about Idaho, I love being back in Utah. I will update about our activities this weekend.

Idaho Weekend with In-Laws

Wesley and I had a long weekend due to our first Juneteenth holiday from work on Monday. Wesley's parents and Rachel were visiting Tyler and Ashley in Boise for Father's Day weekend and we joined them. We drove up on Saturday morning and stayed until Sunday afternoon. We packed a lot into our short trip. On Saturday after we arrived, we went to a cherry festival in Emmett, ID. On Sunday, we went to church at Tyler and Ashley's ward and had lunch. On our drive back to Utah we stopped at Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls. There was actual water this time and the waterfall was beautiful. It was a short trip but we got to spend some great time with our family.

My Dad's Journey

Mhy dad is almost two weeks into his alcohol treatment program. He had been struggling with alcohol use since he lost his former fiance, Cyndi, in 2020. There were times that I felt so much sadness for him and even genuine fear for his safety like when he drank after being under anesthesia for his colonoscopy. He was a lot happier after he got together with his next fiance, Kendyl, in 2022. Unfortunately, his alcohol use continued into their relationship. The straw that broke the camel's back came shortly after Wesley and I moved back to Utah. He went on an alcohol bender and that was the last straw for Kendyl. She broke up with him and moved out of his house. My dad suffered intense grief for a few weeks but that finally motivated him to seek treatment for his alcoholism. He's now in the evening treatment program through Intermountain Healthcare. I am determined to support him in any way that he needs so he does not relapse. It was really hard for me to see him in such a bad state. It was also a little sad that my sisters and I weren't enough motivation for him to change. I understand his desire for a romantic relationship and that Kendyl leaving was his driving force to seek treatment. It also made me realize how prevalent alcoholism is in the general population. I will update at the end of his treatment.

First Week as an Academic Advisor

I have had three days at SLCC so far and I have loved it. The past two days have consisted of shadowing experienced academic advisors and working on college-required online trainings. Today I will be attending a new student orientation at the West Jordan campus and shadowing the academic advising presentation for the social science pathway. It should be a pretty easy day. Tomorrow will consist of more training and then a retirement party for three advisors in the afternoon. I am excited to start meeting with students! This is my dream job and I am so grateful.

First Day at SLCC

Yesterday was my first day at Salt Lake Community College. I am going to be a criminal justice and psychology acadmeic advisor. The first day went pretty well. I spent a lot of time getting to know the assisant director. The first two hours we set up my laptop and I went through the training manual for the last couple hours. There will be a lot to learn but there is a plan in place and I don't need to know eveything during the first week. I will be shadowing some of my coworkers next week and attending a new student orientation on Wednesday. In other news, my dad started his alcohol treatment program last night. I am so happy he is getting the help he needs. I will update!