This past weekend I got to celebrate so much. Some bittersweet endings, but some amazing new beginnings. I went to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Professional Counseling Program hooding ceremony. As a graduate of the program last year, I vividly remember the moment my Master's hood hit my shoulders. I truly cannot believe that was a year ago already. It was powerful to watch from my new seat as an alumni with close my first school counselor year complete. Once again, I felt inspired by my friends words and there accomplishments. My graduate program changed my life. It has truly been an honor to work and grow in the UWO program with the cohort ahead of me, my own cohort, and this years graduating cohort.
Also, I got to watch my baby brother graduate from college. As his sister and his friend, I am beyond proud of him. I know he will continue to spread his wings and soar. I wear a lot of different hats and serve in a variety of roles, but being a big sister is truly the privilege of a lifetime. It is truly something continue to learn and be inspired from. Way to go, Lukey! So proud of you, dude! Always remember, you got a friend in me. 2017 has proved to be a year of some friendly and not so friendly challenges for both myself and my family. I have been processing a lot of emotion and as much as I believe in "feelin' the feels", processing events and the emotions attached to them can really be a complete pain in the ass. Recently, I found myself feeling lost and fearing the unknown. However, I am also a believer that signs are given to you in different ways when you need them most. While going through some things in my parents basement, I found one of my first assignments from grad program. The class was asked to write a poem called "I Am From". This assignment gave everyone the opportunity to share pieces of themselves that they felt were important on life's journey thus far. Here is the kicker. We also had to read our poems aloud to the class. Cue the cold slap of vulnerability hitting me in the face. I remember sitting on the couch in 2013 writing my poem. It actually became a helpful tool that I could use to get grounded and reflect. When myself and my classmates shared our poems, something that initially was vulnerable and scary became a significant tool that connected us more, helped us grow, and opened up the door for inspiration and compassion. After stumbling across my poem in the basement, I re-read it and once again, felt that grounded feeling. I needed to hear my friends words and also revisit my own. Thanks universe for bringing this powerful tool back to me. My dear reader, I encourage you to dig deep and reflect where you are from. Your story is important and valuable. Continue to be the fierce protagonist you are on your own life's journey. Victories, celebrations, and even the dark times. I am certain that it surely inspires others as well. I Am From Olivia Wetzel I am from a place the world may never know until someday. I am from the spunky streets of Sicily and also the paved roads of Germany. I am from Ken and Dolly and Bob and Mary. Grandparents who have always me simply because I am the product of their original gift. I am from Dave who in a second became my biggest fan since I first came wrapped in pink. I am from Patti who has shown me the world by first giving me life and unconditional love. I am truly from her. I am from the land of Pink Power Rangers, taking strolls down Sesame Street, singing I love you, you love me. I am from a creative world where couches were made of hot lava and "underwear girl" strikes again! I am from Liv and Luke. Siblings who are always in it together. I am from family time, holiday parties, and gatherings centered around Green Bay Packer football. I am from preschool songs, primary colors, and livin' day to day out of the dress up box. I am from the rainbow rug and Mass on Fridays. I am from the same group of 24 kids who played on the snow pile in winter. I am from stomach aches, cursive letters, mixed-up multiplication tables, and IEPs. I am from special stickers on desks, sitting next to the teacher, and tear stained spelling tests. I am from Lisa Frank folders stating the words "I Hate Me". I am from a new path paved by some brave people for me. I am from the bottom of a ladder with broken rungs leading to self-esteem. I am from resource rooms and extra time on tests. I am from the detective school of finding my strengths. I am from tennis skirts and a two-handed forehand. I am from a raised platform of a stage, putting music and stories into the atmosphere, and bravos. I am from dancing in my living room, singing into the vacuum cleaner attachment and then sharing these songs along with my friends. I am from the same hooligans who have always been hooligans with me and I love them forever. I am from the colors of blue and white and a town represented by baby ducks. I am from an impossible dream come true. I am from another small town universe which became my new school and I turned red. I am from so many inside jokes, giggles, running around and workin' hard times. I am from the land of college kids. I am from the moments of sheer wonder and butterflies when meeting new people, especially a new boy. I am still from imagining and day dreaming. I am from laughin' till it hurts. I am from the strong foundation of love, loyalty, and friendship. I am from getting the black book with gold writing that I was never supposed to get. I am from not sure to taking my power back. I am from Wonder Woman and Aretha Franklin. I am from The Backstreet Boys to Bono. I am redefining the definition of the girl next door and making her sweet, but also a badass in her own way, so she thinks. I am from the luckiest of places and simple moments on earth. I am from still places of worry, but it gets better. I am from love and that is what fills my ships sails. I am from places I am not sure of, but will to be once I arrive. I am from the bold fabric of passion that I dress myself in with my heart on my sleeve. I am from a place the world may never know until someday.
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AuthorMy name is Olivia. I am woman, daughter, sister, friend, and counselor. I just want to put love in the world. Archives
October 2018
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