Reasons Why I Moved To Colorado

I have lived in 3 different states so far and honestly I have learned so much about myself. This journey has allowed me to seek opportunities in life and establish goals I would never think of. I originally grew up in North Carolina and it's definitely where my heart belongs along with my entire family. NC has the coast, plains and the mountains, which allow for many outdoor activities. NC offers great weather, an affordable cost of living and job opportunities.

However, seeking a job in my field of expertise at the time was falling short after I graduated with a degree in Human and Community Service at Lenior Rhyne University. I had no choice but to apply for opportunities outside of the N.C. One of my friends recommended I apply for a job in Indianapolis at a Mental Health Agency working with K-12.  She to had applied as well for a position with the company.  It was a big decision and a leap of faith to embark upon this journey. I applied and was granted an interview.  Next thing I knew, they immediately hired me! My friend was also hired with the company as well. We both took the plunge and accepted the positions which led to a life changing decision.  It took  2 years after I graduated college to secure this kind of job. It required patience, faith and the strength to step outside the walls of my home town. 

Right before I moved to Indianapolis, IN

Once I moved, I met many new acquaintances and became involved in the Deaf community.  This opened my eyes to the culture of the deaf community since I grew up in the hearing world in a mainstreamed high school environment. This move helped me develop my identity as a Deaf person as I learned so much more about my own Deaf Culture and the beautiful language I learned when I was a young child.  Eventually, I decided to get into the Master's program teaching American Sign Language. I enjoy teaching and being able to bridge the gap between the hearing and Deaf world. It is something that I have been yearning for. I was accepted into the Master's Program at the University of Northern Colorado and the thought of getting into the program was freaking me out! However, it was definitely the right plan for me and I loved it! It's a hybrid program where I took classes online during Fall and Spring and face to face learning during the summer in Colorado. This allowed me to explore Colorado and fall in love with such a love state.  However, graduate school can be tough! 

Bear Lake at Rocky Mountain National Park before I went to UNC for my graduate program

I graduated with my Master's in December of 2016 and felt my time in Indianapolis had come to a close. The Deaf community was great, butt the environment wasn't the right fit for me. New experiences and learning more about myself drove me to move into another chapter of life. I began looking at job opportunities and several opportunities peaked my interest in Colorado. Within a couple weeks, two different schools offered me positions teaching American Sign Language within a high school setting. I accepted at one of the schools and began making plans for my move to Colorado, which was unexpected because my goal was to move to Austin, Texas! Crazy how life turns out!

It was a another life changing decision that has proven successful. The life in Colorado is what everyone dreams of. The mountains, the number of activities you can do there, a variety of events offered in Denver, the Deaf community and so much more was something that I was looking for. Even though the cost of living is more expensive, Colorado was able to make me happy. That's all that matters. Many people say, "Once you move to Colorado, it's hard to move away."  I encourage you to visit and experience for yourself.

My motto is "Never let the darkness tear you down, keep believing and the lightness will come to you." We all have to take a leap of faith and let God guide us in the journey. The wisdom I have gained by trusting in his will for my life has brought happiness within and a beautiful backdrop to live life in Colorado. 

Will you ever move back to North Carolina where your heart belongs?

Honestly, that's very hard to say. I know my parents have been trying to find ways and words to say to convince me to move back.  I keep saying "No."  I only say that because my journey is incomplete. I have so much more to explore and I know I am getting older, but all I care is the fact that I'm mentally happy. We never know what the future looks like and who knows, perhaps I will end up moving back to NC by the time I turn 40! HA!

Winter Wonderland in Breckenridge

I hope this post guides you to reach your dreams, no matter how big or small. Life is a risk, so take a leap of faith and good things will come to you.

Much love,