Diarrhea, Dancing, and Diagnostic What?

Here's a few snapshots of my first official day at the office:

Although I thought I would be the most nervous person at work today, I was severely mistaken. Minutes into the workday, I overheard another new hire (a 40+ year old woman who had just received her master's and was hired as a diagnostic SLP) speaking with a seasoned veteran about how she was feeling on this first day. When asked if she was overwhelmed, the woman responded abruptly," I've had diarrhea for weeks just thinking about today!"

As the clock approached noon, I was feeling completely overwhelmed. I had spent the entire morning staring at a list of names and dates of upcoming ARD's and evaluation dates. With only minutes until an hour of freedom for lunch, a few fellow SLP's came into my office and asked if I wanted to join them for lunch. I had just spoken with Chris and agreed to meet him for lunch so I casually said, "No thanks, I'm having lunch with my husband." To my utter shock and amazement, one of the SLP's began to shake her money maker and announced at the top of her voice...."Kay's having lunch with her husband ladies. We all know what that means!!! She'll be coming back into the office with a smile this afternoon!"

At the end of the day, I was required to attend a meeting with the Superintendent of the school along with all the special education staff. The Superintendent began to announce all of the new employees and got to my name and title. Upon reading "Diagnostic Speech Pathologist" he said," What is that? I've never heard of that...Is that a new certification? As I sat down, I was met by a simultaneous eye roll by my fellow colleagues.

All in all, I'd have to say it was a good day. I didn't have diarrhea; I laughed hysterically; and I realized that at the end of the day I should just enjoy myself because ultimately.... no one really knows what we do!!

Hope all of you had a great first day!