Reflections on a unique individual and why the show must go on

For the last couple of days I have been struggling how to write this blog. It does not happen to me often, but I really struggled finding what to say. However, I am going to it to write this memorial piece.

To a lot of us, Gary was more than just another person in our lives. He was a gifted teacher, someone that provide mentorship and guidance. He was a an extraordinary human being and probably one of the most sarcastic and insightful individuals you would ever meet. I had the privilege of knowing him as my major professor in graduate school. He was the one that interviewed me for my Masters program. He gave me a chance in the Department of rehabilitation and mental health counseling. He challenged me to become a better therapist and a better man. He challenged us all.

Up until the last two weeks of his life, he was still practicing. He knew that he was dying, however he knew he also had a obligation to his clients. A obligation to terminate successfully. For him, regardless of the wicked wit that he possessed the ethics of this profession and the obligation to his client was what was important to him. In the wards of Dr. D, the show must go on.

Thank you for what you have done for me both professionally and personally. Again, thank you for introducing me to this extraordinary profession as a mental health counselor. I still, channel you when I am working with clients and students alike.

Life as a PhD student

Hello everyone, I hope everybody is having a good day. This semester has been very busy for me in graduate school. I wanted to provide you a quick update about everything and let you know how I am doing.

For many of you know that I am in a PhD program at the University of South Florida in counseling education. I am loving every minute of this program, even though it is a lot of stuff that I have to get done. Right now I am sitting on a Saturday afternoon, writing various assignments that have to be due within the next couple of weeks. I am loving every minute of it.

I have finally articulated my primary research interests. My employment research lies in the area of mental health counseling and disability rights. I am interested in community support for individuals with developmental disabilities. I am also interested inSelf-Advocacy and self-determination for individuals with disabilities.

This semester I have had the tremendous experience of teaching a practicum class. I have six wonderful students and I am having the time of my life teaching this class.

I am involved in several research projects and I will be submitting a article for publication within the next couple of weeks. I have also been asked to be a co-writer for a book chapter. This is something that I find very exciting.

I will be working on additional projects over the summer. I will also be moving on the campus of the University of South Florida.

I will be using this blog to keep you up-to-date on my area of research and trends it in the mental health and disability field.

I hope everyone is doing great. My family is the very good. I will be trying to write a little bit frequently, because I have finally found some balance with life.