I GOT THE JOB.

Not just any job.  THE job.  THE opportunity.  Want to know why this job is amazing?  Well, let me tell you.

I will be working as a research assistant to Dr. Curtis LeBaron, the organizational behavior specialist for our college.  His work specializes in qualitative analysis, focusing on face-to-face leadership and analyzing videotapes of interrogations, meetings, and people's interactions on various levels.  Reading his research sparked in me interests that felt so comfortable, so real.  He is such an inspiring man.

The reason he is hiring me is because he just got a grant to find and mentor a student for the rest of their college experience.  So, for the next 2-2 1/2 years, I will be working with and funded by Dr. LeBaron.  He estimates that we will co-author at least two papers to be published in significant journals.  At least one of those projects will be in an area specific to my choosing.  I will also be funded in travel to conferences to present my work.  In short, I'm getting paid to have him help prepare me for an incredible PhD program.

I can't help but think of all the internships I've looked into, all the different avenues I've thought about taking...and I couldn't be happier that none of them panned out.  In the long run, this is the best opportunity I could have asked for.  I never dreamed I would have the opportunity to do something like this.

Patience really does pay off.  I feel so humbled.  And so, so blessed.