Nicole Michaud

It is a really strange concept for me to think there is such a thing as being too invested or caring too much. In my life there has always been an internal need to give of myself to those around me. This is not to say that it has always been a rosy jaunt through a garden of appreciation. I have often given to people who could not care less or were blatantly ungrateful. There were also those who just came to expect it. This has led me at times to feel saddened, disappointed, angry or just plain foolish.

Like many others I had a childhood that was filled with experiences and violence no child should endure. From a very early age I sat and wondered what my purpose in life was beyond the fear of what might happen next. I cannot explain it but I felt it deep within that I was meant to be for a reason greater than myself.

Silence is golden, or so they say. There are times when we crave for silence above all else. In other moments silence can feel like the most awkward and uncomfortable situations we can imagine. For example, when we are among an unfamiliar group of people it can allow us to create doubts about ourselves in the eyes of those around us. Drawn out silences often give a powerful voice to all the insecurities we hold inside.

With the completion of my Internship came many mixed emotions. There is of course the extreme relief to reclaim a little of my time and energy back in my personal life. I would be lying if I said that I will miss the 2am dates with an assignment after the babies are dreaming. However, there are parts that are difficult to let go of. The clients I have worked with all these months are now no longer going to be a part of my weekly life.

It is an amazing position to be at the end of an immensely important chapter of my life while simultaneously beginning a brilliant new phase. I still can’t quite believe that this week will be my final week as a Masters level intern.