I am now halfway through the final quarter of the program, and that reality still feels strange to say out loud. There is anticipation building. I have been thinking more about graduation day and celebrating that moment with my peers. The last time we were together in person was last year during Residency II. So, the idea of being together once again to mark the end of this chapter feels special.
At the same time, I have also reached a point of real exhaustion.
About two weeks ago, I realized just how tired I had become. It was more than physical fatigue. It was the kind of exhaustion that comes from sustaining a very full schedule for a long period without much room to pause. Between work responsibilities, internship requirements, evening classes, documentation, and everything else that life continues to demand, I could feel that I was running low on energy.
And I realized that I couldn’t keep going at the same pace until the end of the quarter, but I also couldn’t stop completely and allow myself a deserved break. So, last week, I intentionally slowed my schedule down where I could. I gave myself permission to step away briefly instead of trying to maximize every available hour. I also took one afternoon off and went to watch a movie.
I was surprised by how much a small adjustment helped, and I now feel in better shape to keep moving forward. Not with the same intensity I have maintained over the past eight months, but at a slightly slower pace. There are only five more weeks to go. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and that feels reassuring.
Right now, my priority is clear: meet all remaining requirements for graduation. At the same time, I am becoming increasingly aware that graduation will not simply represent an ending. It will force a major restructuring of my schedule.
For the past three years, evening classes have shaped the rhythm of my week. Assignments, readings, internship hours, supervision, and class preparation have all been built into my daily life. Soon, that structure will disappear, and I will need to intentionally rethink how I use that time. Part of that adjustment will involve professional planning and next steps, but another important part will involve protecting space for joy and recovery.
The exhaustion I felt recently brings home an important lesson: even meaningful work has limits when balance disappears for too long.
As counselors in training, we spend a great deal of time talking about wellness, self-care, emotional regulation, and sustainability with clients. One thing this experience has reinforced for me is that these ideas are not optional for us either. They matter during internship and will continue to matter long after graduation.
For now, I will keep moving forward one week at a time, finish these final five weeks well, and take a break. Then, as I move into the next stage of this journey, I want to ensure that whatever comes next includes room for professional growth and for a healthier and more sustainable pace.
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I will see you next week.
Roque Neto 