It’s been one year since this blog (and me!) uprooted itself from Washington DC to Denver. Thanks for hanging in through the ride, friends – I am so happy that I pushed myself to this new city, a job that seemed like it would be a good fit, and a move into an apartment with Noah. I think all of you who read my blog frequently or know me well know how much I have grown through these experiences, I love reflecting on where I’m at now. My one year anniversary at my first permanent job (finally: not part-time, not an unpaid internship, not a summer job) is exciting and worth celebrating (you too- have some cake for me).
I studied International Affairs and Global Health in college, thinking that I would love to work in international development projects and health interventions abroad. Truthfully, having a background in Spanish and French made me feel like I could be more useful in an bilingual work environment. Through summers in public health departments working on tuberculosis, study abroad experiences in Sub-Saharan Africa and Chile, and internships in federal agencies, I have discovered that I am committed to making this country better. It sounds grossly patriotic, but there is plenty of work to do in our backyards. While job searching and networking, I was forwarded a position through the University of Colorado working on a diabetes prevention grant for Native Americans. Finally, my interests in health promotion, unique populations, and healthy living started to click together in my head (and yes, my building has a tipi on top).
This job has opened me up to so many learning experiences. From visiting a reservation in Wisconsin to listening to webinars on promoting health literacy or health education through text message, I have been exposed to many facets of public health and disease prevention. Diet and exercise still don’t come easy to me, though I always had great role models in my family, and I realize that my own journey to better health has paralleled my growing interest in nutrition and physical activity. Whether these are my current interests, I am excited to see how they morph as I continue to grow in my job and seek out graduate programs that align with my goals.
I felt like I had this all together when I moved out here, but I really believe that every experience changes us and our paths. For now, I am happy in this place, and we just renewed our lease for another year. This magical place in the middle of the country has convinced me to stay a bit longer for its sunshine, good eats, and city livin’. Who knows what adventure awaits after that?
Thanks for always listening. I want to connect on a more personal note with some of you – so tell me – what more about me do you want to know?
Marisa
Lauren says
Congratulations on your work-aversary/Colorado anniversary. Miss you lots, but love reading about all the great things you’re doing.
xoxo
Marisa says
Thanks Lauren! I love that you have been following along. Hoping to get back to all of you in DC this year for a visit- Mr Yogato is calling my name! Hope all is well.
Emily L says
Hi Marisa,
I really enjoyed reading this post! I will be starting grad school (also MPH!) in this post really resonated with me and I feel like we have similar interests 🙂
Congrats on your first year in Colorado!
Marisa says
It’s cool to hear about people on similar paths- email me! I would love to hear where you’re going and more about your interests! uprootfromoregon@gmail.com.
Erin @ The Almond Eater says
Ahhh what an exciting year! I don’t think I knew what you did for a living, but that’s so cool! Isn’t it crazy to look back and see how much you’ve accomplished in just one year?
Marisa says
I know, it’s so fun to look back! Glad to share some more life tidbits 🙂
Amy @ The Little Honey Bee says
I know I am a day late but happy work/blog/Denver anniversary! I am so glad you are sharing your adventures with us. I want to hear more about your travels and anything else you want to share
Marisa says
Thank you thank youu!! I definitely will share more about my travels- hopefully some look back posts on where I’ve been but also some upcoming fun this fall (!!). xo
Sara says
I love you! Happy one year =) I’m proud of you, you’re doing great out here. I’m so so so glad we met.
Marisa says
Thank you, Sara! I am so happy we connected as well and we’re both finding out what we love in our perfect neighborhood!
Vanessa says
I love this post! I recently traveled to Denver to visit a friend, my first time to CO, and fell absolutely head over heels in love with the place. It is absolutely amazing how nice the people were, the amount of culinary talent & not to mention the sheer beauty of the place. I am hoping to return sometime soon and eventually move there in a few years. Glad you went for it and are experiencing loads of happiness! Best of luck in all that you do.
Marisa says
Thanks Vanessa – Glad to hear you had such a positive and exciting visit to Denver! Just took a peek at your blog and glad you had some Voodoo doughnuts during your trip 🙂
Jessi says
Sometimes the stars just align and I can’t believe that it’s ONLY been a year. You’ve adjusted so well to Colorado living that I was starting to worry that you were going to change your blog name! 😉
Marisa says
I’m still uprooted from Oregon, don’t you worry! Haha. I know – time is flying!