#Igotahoodonme

Two years ago, I started out this crazy thing called graduate school.

I threw all my eggs in one basket and ended up being accepted and getting an assistantship at Oklahoma State University.  I began working toward a Master's degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in College Student Development.

Little did I know..

..I would end up working at the largest, most comprehensive union in the world. 
The Student Union at Oklahoma State is huge.  I got lost for at least the first month of work.  Aside from that, the Student Union gave me a sort of second home while in grad school.  I spent lots and lots of hours there, mostly working in my assistantship for the Student Union Activities Board.  What a privilege.  Honestly.  My students were so much more than I could have asked for.

ACUI National Conference 2014 - Go Pokes!

..My cohort would be an amazing support system/I would know what the word cohort means.
Although small in numbers, my cohort is the best.  The past two years were full of ups and downs, frustrations, joys, complaints, accomplishments, and everything in between.  Whether it was a crazy final that only half of us finished, studying for comps (then celebrating when we all passed/crushed it) or venting, crying, and counseling in Helping Skills class - we did it together.  I'm so thankful for this group of people.  I wouldn't have wanted to do it with anyone else!

#Igotahoodonme

..I would meet some amazing professionals that shape the way I think about Student Affairs and life in general.

A monthish into my assistantship, both my boss and second year GTA left for new opportunities.  It was crazy.  I had never done programming in my life and it was up to me and Adam to figure it out for the year.  It was the best year.  I'm so lucky to have had that year and now I wouldn't have it any other way.  Not only did I get to hang out with Adam all year, I also got to know a number of people from around the Union on a first name basis that I am still thankful for professionally and personally.

Hippies aren't so bad.

..I would spend a summer in New Jersey.
I knew I wanted an internship that would take me somewhere else, I just never expected New Jersey to be the place.  I lived 14 miles west of NYC and worked orientation with some incredible people!  These students taught me quite a few things, but most importantly.. always be yourself, and never apologize for who and what you are.  You can look different, be from different places, think different things, but none of that means you are wrong for being YOU!

..Oklahoma State would give me some of the best friends. 
No words are needed.  I absolutely and completely love these people.

..I would graduate with a 4.0
I didn't necessarily set out with the goal to graduate with a 4.0, but it was certainly in the back of my mind after my first semester.  Well, I guess I did it!  Now I get to add those two letters behind my name, Kiley D. Johansen, M.S.


I can't believe that I'm finished with this chapter in my life.  Thank you Oklahoma State for one heck of a ride and an unforgettable two years! Go Pokes!


...as told by Kiley



P.S. 100 Miles in May update: 28.5 miles down. 71.5 miles to go.  I took graduation day and the next off so I'm a little behind...this week is catch up and hopefully get ahead week!