Graduation from college!

Hello to friends and family,

I am apprehensive about sharing this request, as there are much greater causes out there, but I thought I would give it a try! On May 10th I graduated from the State University of NY at Cobleskill with my Bachelors degree in Wildife Management. This has been a long-time coming, as I spent some years of my 20's struggling to figure out my life! But, I finally got my academics figured out and a career path I knew I'd love. These studies brought me to Alaska and NOW... The Florida Keys (but I'll get back to that in a moment)! I didn't have a graduation party because of everyone's busy lives. I know how hard it is to get a big group of people together, but I know I have a ton of love and support out there. The week of Thanksgiving 2013 is when I began the job search. I refused to be a college grad that was unemployed. I've worked too hard in and out of the classroom to receive this degree, to NOT be able to use it! The odds were not in my favor: a tough economy, this field is saturated with grads every year (Just in NY we have about 7 colleges/universities all with the same types of environmental/conservation based programs spitting out grads), and a TOUGH competition. I had about 11 interviews, several which I was confident were "sure things", and over 100 applications out there. I endured many mental break downs, crying fits, laughing fits, and miserable days as I watched my friends and classmates getting hired. Graduation day was coming closer. People were asking "what are you doing with your life after graduation?", and in no way were they being malicious, that's just what we ask our graduates! All I could do was tell this story over and over. Graduation day came and went. The end of May (and my lease) were coming quickly. My friends were leaving me for travels and jobs all over the world. My support system was dwindling. And finally, FINALLY. The day after I moved out of my house, and agreed to house sit for someone, just to give me some more time to plan.... I received that GOLDEN phone call. I was hired for a PAID job in the Florida Keys! I cried screamed once I got off the phone, began making the 1,000 phone calls to alert everyone, and now here I am unpacking and repacking my car. I'm leaving on Saturday, 5 days after accepting the position, to make the 1,500 journey south! I will be working in the Visitor Center of the Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge on Big Pine Key, FL. This is a federal position, and although seasonal, it's a chance of a lifetime. 

So, I reach out to you. I'm a broke, recent graduate, moving far far away. While this is a paid position, it's dismal pay. It will be enough to get by, I hope. If you wish to support me monetarily, I would be so, so greatful. And if not, I thank everyone for their continued support and interest in my life. It's been an interesting journey from Finger Lakes Community College, to Alaska, to SUNY Cobleskill, and now to FLORIDA!

Let me know if you'll be in my neck o' the beach!