One Hundred Blog Posts Later

Here is post number 100!

When I started the blog, I was looking for a way to document my journey through the counseling program and to be more present in the process. In the past, I often threw myself into academic studies without pausing to reflect until it was all over. But this time felt different. I was making a big life change, leaving a high-stress job, and stepping into something new with more intentionality. Starting the program, and this blog alongside it, was the beginning of a larger shift that included slowing down, paying attention, and creating space to reflect as I go.

I wanted to track the arc of this journey, both for myself and for anyone else who might find a bit of resonance in my story. Over time, my writing has evolved to weave between the details of coursework and broader questions about the profession, identity, and care. The blog became a way to process, to document, and, hopefully, to connect.

The Surprises Along the Way

Looking back at the previous 99 blog posts and everything that came with them, one of the most surprising things about writing regularly is how much clarity it brings. I began this blog thinking it would be an academic log, but it has turned into something more layered. Writing here has helped me notice patterns in my learning, observe how my identity as a future counselor is taking shape, and reflect on the kind of therapist I want to become.

Another surprise was realizing that people actually read the blog (Hello readers!). The clearest indicator has been the number of prospective counseling students at Palo Alto University who reached out to ask my opinion, some of whom are now also enrolled in the program.

On a personal level, I never doubted my ability to be consistent and write regularly. What surprised me was how forgiving I could be with myself. While I aimed to publish a new post every Tuesday, I gave myself permission to take breaks when needed, without guilt or pressure. That balance has kept this space enjoyable and sustainable.

The Hard Parts

Of course, it hasn’t all been easy or rewarding. Sometimes I struggled to come up with meaningful topics. Other times, I went too deep. In this sense, there are posts I wrote that will never be published. Those are pieces that felt too vulnerable or simply not useful to anyone else but me. Finding the balance between honest reflection and appropriate boundaries is an ongoing process. I think about it every time I write: Would I be comfortable with a future client reading this?

Why I Still Write

Today, I write to continue reflecting on the experiences I am having in the program. This is a unique time in my life. It is more than just a midlife transition from academia into counseling. Documenting it helps me stay grounded. Writing also allows me to connect theory to practice and to trace the growth I sometimes don’t notice in the day-to-day.

I keep writing because it helps shape my voice as a future counselor. It helps me think through who I want to be for my clients and how my values of community and advocacy come through in how I show up.

I also keep going because I love writing. It has always been a way to make sense of the world. And I still want to bring in other voices, such as those of classmates, mentors, and friends. There is something valuable about sharing this space with people I admire.

What’s Next

As I move into the Practicum and Internship phases of the program, you can expect more posts about preparing for that transition. I plan to share about the process of finding a site and navigating the challenges ahead.

And of course, Residency II is coming in two weeks, which will no doubt deserve a post (or more than one) of its own.

Lately, I have started wondering about the future of this blog. Will it continue once I graduate and enter the associate stage? Or will it remain a record of this particular chapter? I don’t have the answer yet. But for now, I am still here.

Thank you for reading, whether this is your first post or your fiftieth. Thank you for engaging with my reflections.

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I will see you next week.