And they said that the worst is over. Boy, were they wrong! After having defended my dissertation, I am now going to embark on the final leg of my graduate school program: the internship. The fact that I actually have a place to go is a blessing all it’s own.

When I entered my graduate program, I came in with the knowledge that a large number of psychology graduates students find themselves adding on one or two years to their graduate school careers because they were unable to secure an internship. I’ve seen intelligent, talented and dedicated friends and colleagues be forced to repeat the arduous and expensive internship application process more than once. So I am humbled and grateful for this opportunity to move to the other side of the country and begin my internship.

But that doesn’t make it any easier.

During the past five years, California has been my home and I have formed relationships here that have helped me to grow, learn, and become a better version of me. I am who I am today because of the people that God has put into my life.

So as I pack the little that I own into boxes, tears well in my eyes. Not because I am saying goodbye, but because I am surrounded by people. You see, without my even asking, my friends volunteered to come over to my house, put on music, and help me pack. They fed me when I was hungry and held me when I cried. One of them even gave me a massage when I was feeling anxious about my move! This show of support makes me think that maybe I’m not as alone and misunderstood as I think I am.

“You guys!” I say, feeling the need to express my gratitude. “Thank you so much for coming to help me pack! I’m so overwhelmed by your show of support and love! I couldn’t have done this without you!”

“Aw! That’s really sweet!” says one of my friends. “Now stop stalling and move those boxes into the car!”

Wow. These people really know me!

“It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. 
And if one falls down, the other helps, But if there’s no one to help, tough! Two in a bed warm each other. Alone, you shiver all night. By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, The Message).

Jael Amador writes from New York, New York.

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