This got long, bear with me. I'm having a major dilemma that I have about 2 weeks to figure out, so you guys get to help me plan my future-yay!
My degree is in Child & Family Development with an emphasis in Child Life. In order to graduate, I have to have to complete a 500 hour unpaid internship under the supervision of a certified child life specialist. These internships are REALLY hard to get, and applications are due by September 5th.
While filling out internships, I'm starting to really question whether this is something that I will truly be happy doing on a long term basis. In order to get a job, you really have to be willing to move anywhere...and I'm not. We've been away for my family for the last 2 1/2 years, through both of my parents being sick, and we're both ready to be closer to our families.
I've also really started to think about whether I'm going to be okay with dealing with sick (some even terminal) children and their families every single day, and if I'll be able to keep my emotions in check. I'm horrible at hiding my feelings.
I'm all about relationships. One of the major things child life specialists have pounded into their heads is that you're suppossed to be able to build rapport quickly, but once your job is done, sever those ties. Keeping in touch with patients is a major HIPPA violation.
Lastly, no internship = no graduation. Internships are generally only offered in the Spring and Fall, with very few hospitals also offering them in the summer.
So, finally after that novel, my question. I'm considering changing my emphasis area to Early Childhood administration, so that I could instead potentially run an early childhood program, either through a preschool or daycare. To do that, I would need to take 3 or 4 more classes, in addition to the 3 that I'm enrolled in for this fall.
Am I totally crazy to be considering this, especially in my last semester, when internship applications for my current emphasis are due in a month? I need help
