Career Roadmap
Andra's work combines: Medicine, Writing, and Being Creative
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Humboldt State University
Graduate Degree
Counseling Psychology
Humboldt State University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Registered Nurses:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Nursing Science
Certification: RN, IBCLC
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
My aunt saw something in me and encouraged me to become a Registered Nurse.
2.
Having gone to a diploma nursing program, I wanted to complete my Bachelors Degree at Humboldt.
3.
Feeling the freedom of graduating, I joined the Peace Corps in Iran for 2 years, and studied Farsi.
4.
When I returned, I began working on my MA in Counseling Psychology and MFT license.
5.
I was married for 10 years, worked in Saudi Arabia, and traveled the world.
6.
My sister moved in with me with her son and daughter, a real education for one without children.
7.
Family relationships led me to become a Licensed Prayer Practitioner at the Center for Spiritual Living.
8.
Retired at 65, financially comfortable and independent, feeling blessed and grateful.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Parents:
'It's not okay to pursue happiness. If you can't do something right, don't do it at all. Another day shot to pieces.' Mostly my Dad had these themes, mom was quiet.
How I responded:
Going away to nursing school removed me from home as it was a boarding school, in LA. I was not especially smart, but found that if I was persistent, I could achieve my goals. Packing my little Datsun and driving away from home to attend Humboldt State, was finding a different "noise." Through all this, I never felt great about myself. I viewed my education as helping me understand myself more; and as an escape while also finding direction. Serving in the Peace Corps was my best education.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
Immigrant parents, blue collar workers, "scrimp and save" was our lifestyle. My sister and I would sometimes hide because of the old car we drove, and we didn't want our friends to see. My dad made soap and wore paper bag hats he made to save money.
Old fashioned parents. Follow the rules. No talking at the dinner table. My sister and I lived in fear of being hit or scorned. We played outside a lot, and my freedom was riding my bike.