Enrolled: 2005
Graduation: 2008

Current Position: Department Manager, Youth Services
Employer: Ada Community Library
Location: Boise, Idaho

iSchool Study Abroad - Dutch Designs, Rotterdam Exploration Seminar (Sept. 2008)

Exactly three years ago, my life became busier and more focused than I have ever known! In September 2005, I started my first quarter with the UW MLIS program, accepted a position as a children’s librarian at the Ada Community Library and took on the role as Legislative Chair for the Idaho Library Association.

The three years that followed proved to be some of the most challenging times of my life. I have to admit that I would take living in a West African Village without electricity and running water (Peace Corps 1999-2002) over testifying in front of state legislative committees almost any day.

Between working forty plus hours a week, managing a department and fifteen staff members, entertaining over a hundred children and parents at storytime, debating library theory, policy, and futures with classmates at night, and advocating for libraries in the state legislature…I am tired.

But a good tired. Tired with a sense of major accomplishment. I do not regret any aspect of the last three years. Instead, I am looking forward to the next challenge. After all, once I graduate in December, just think of all the extra time, energy, and knowledge I will have to dedicate to the next cause!