My Next Chapter

Family and I before graduation

While reading a book, have you ever wanted to flip ahead to see what will happen in the future? People compare life to books all the time, but yet we can't get a sneak peek at the future, because it can always change. After graduating from Central in May, I wanted to flip ahead to get a sneak peek of what post college life would be like. I did not imagine spending 3 months at home unemployed. While I did enjoy my time at home spending time with family, I felt like I was wasting my education I worked so hard for. But before I talk about post grad life, let me update you on what happened right after graduation.

The Christ statue in Rio

I had the amazing honor to be a member of the Central College A Cappella Choir for all 4 years I attended Central. Every spring, the choir goes on tour to share our artistic talent. While  had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., where I was able to sing in the National Cathedral, travel around the Midwest on a bus for week singing in places like San Antonio, Texas and St. Louis, Missouri, and traveling to the Greater Chicago area singing in Michigan and the Chicago suburbs. Every 4 years, the choir goes on an international trip, which just happened to be my senior year. We traveled to Brazil, traveling to Sao Paulo, Iguazu Falls, and Rio de Janero, sharing the art of music.We were treated like celebrities everywhere we went to sing. The congregations were so appreciative of us being there. In the Ipanema area, we sang to a standing room only crowd of 750! It made me realize how blessed I was to have the opportunity to sing with this group and share our music. Before we left for Brazil, we organized a shoe drive to the Sao Paulo International Rotary Club. With the Sao Paulo Cathedral as our backdrop, a Cardinal in attendance, we donated over 300 pairs of shoes. You do not have to look far in Brazil to see poverty. By sharing our music and providing the donation of the shoes, we felt like we had made a difference while touring.

In Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Now, I am currently living in West Des Moines and working in Des Moines for a non-profit organization, Employee and Family Resources. As an organization we provide various resources to schools, communities, and employers to make a healthier community. My position is a Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist. Though I have officially been in this position for one month, I can tell you that I love it already. I have learned a lot of great lessons and I work with an amazing, supportive
team! Though, I am the only guy on the team and one of two guys in the building, we all get along great. I'm excited to start this new chapter of my life. While it is hard to believe I have my Bachelors and have a full-time position, I am excited to learn more of what life has to offer for me.

To check out the organization feel free to click the logo to visit the website!