Lake Huron

It’s crazy to believe that an entire year has gone by. Having just recently completed our summer semester, it was a bittersweet ending to our first official year at Columbia College Chicago. Our lives have been filled with so many endings this semester, but with endings comes very hopeful beginnings. I can’t wait to see what my second year in the Dance/Movement Therapy & Counseling program has in store for me!

Last day of the semester

This summer semester was the busiest one yet. With literature review seminar, group dynamics, and clinical supervision on top of our summer practicums and part-time jobs—it was an extremely time consuming summer! However, I have to say that the consensus from my fellow cohort and I is that it was the most influential semester yet! Working in the field with real people in real clinical situations was truly the highlight of my summer. I learned so much more from my supervisor about dance/movement therapy and about the complexities of working within a psychiatric inpatient hospital. I am finally beginning to understand who I am becoming as an emerging dance/movement therapist within the clinical field. Saying goodbye to my practicum site was definitely a bittersweet day for me.

Class of 2015

I really do feel that the end of the semester came full circle when the first years started their summer intensive. It was an amazing feeling to see so many fresh, exciting faces! I loved meeting everyone at orientation, and I know that I will be making friends with all of them as the fall semester begins. I am also feeling a bit jealous because I know their journey is just beginning!

However, spending some time with the first years has also put me in an extremely nostalgic mood. Remembering what it felt like at the beginning of my journey, and seeing how far I have come, has really provided me with a sense of pride. I was lucky enough to spend the last week of summer in northern Michigan where I was able to fully look back on my journey with a sense of appreciation and gratitude. It was also a great way to find some self-care before this next semester begins. I am half-way through this amazing journey—and I cannot wait to see what comes next!