Fellowship...

For those of you who don't know, I applied for a financial counseling fellowship a few months ago through the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education. The program pays for the entire cost of Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) training and testing and also provides a web-based program for online instruction. It's co-sponsored by the National Military Family Assocation in hopes that those awarded the fellowship will help respond to the increasing demand for financial counseling services, particularly in the military arena.

Well...I got it! Yay, me! :) The even bigger news is that I was assigned the minimum number of practicum hours required to complete the program and earn the certification. That's really BIG given the fact that I was facing almost a 2000 volunteer hour requirement to be completed by August 2011. YIKES! I was really worried. Fortunately, I have only 400 hours to do in two years...that's awesome. I guess my years of toiling in the insurance industry combined with my advocacy experience at CADA and my Master's degree really paid off.

So, while I'm a glutton for punishment in the education department (I finish my Master's in December and will be studying under both programs until then), I'm thrilled by this opportunity. And whether I decide to pursue grant writing, an executive directorship, or financial counseling, I'm sure I'll find a comfortable niche that's corresponds well with our frequent relocations and general military lifestyle. That's the plan, at least. I've learned the hard way that flexibility/versatility is your greatest asset as a military spouse pursuing her own career goals. Take that, NAVY!!! ;)

Love to all,

~ Amanda