Nicole Michaud

Like many others I had a childhood that was filled with experiences and violence no child should endure. From a very early age I sat and wondered what my purpose in life was beyond the fear of what might happen next. I cannot explain it but I felt it deep within that I was meant to be for a reason greater than myself.

Silence is golden, or so they say. There are times when we crave for silence above all else. In other moments silence can feel like the most awkward and uncomfortable situations we can imagine. For example, when we are among an unfamiliar group of people it can allow us to create doubts about ourselves in the eyes of those around us. Drawn out silences often give a powerful voice to all the insecurities we hold inside.

With the completion of my Internship came many mixed emotions. There is of course the extreme relief to reclaim a little of my time and energy back in my personal life. I would be lying if I said that I will miss the 2am dates with an assignment after the babies are dreaming. However, there are parts that are difficult to let go of. The clients I have worked with all these months are now no longer going to be a part of my weekly life.

It is an amazing position to be at the end of an immensely important chapter of my life while simultaneously beginning a brilliant new phase. I still can’t quite believe that this week will be my final week as a Masters level intern.

It all began with labor pains and a drive through a severe snowstorm on New Years Eve of 2008. I went with my husband to the hospital and was admitted to begin the most extraordinary 36 hours of my life. I endured more than I ever thought possible and tapped into a well of strength within myself I did not know existed. I was pushed past any limit I had previously envisioned for myself. It was the most incredible and powerful I have ever felt before in my life.