FROM STRUGGLE TO SUMMIT: A JOURNEY OF GRATITUDE IN cOLORADO - mEREDITH

There are so many moments in my life where I have been completely overwhelmed by gratitude. I have always been a glass half full type person, but one thing I’ve learned over the years is that times of struggle really make you appreciate when things are looking up. One time where I felt truly grateful is a few months after I moved to Colorado in 2018. Before I get into WHY this moment stands out, I need to give you some context:

I am an occupational therapist by trade, and I spent most of my 20s working to become an OT. I got my bachelors in exercise science, then worked for two years as a rehab aide in a Level 1 hospital while I gained experience and applied to graduate programs. While I was an aide I was making a measly $10/hr and barely getting by, even working full time. I applied to multiple grad programs and got rejected from every single one. I was determined to keep pursuing this dream, despite the rejections and doubt from my family and other people I knew. I knew I could be an amazing therapist, and was passionate about this field. I knew I didn’t want to do anything else, and I knew I had to be more competitive. I retook the two chemistry classes I got Cs in in undergrad—ended up with A’s in both this time. I worked full time, would go home and change, eat a snack, and go directly to class until 10pm. I did this most weekdays for a while.

I reapplied the following year. I applied to 22 schools—I was rejected from 20. But a reminder for anyone reading: all it takes is ONE opportunity to change your life. I interviewed with the two schools that reached out to me, and before you know it, I was moving to California the next month. Grad school was maybe the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But I made it, and my very last clinical rotation was in Grand Junction, Colorado. I was initially not thrilled about this, as Grand Junction is WAAAAY out there. I ended up loving it so much that I cried most of the 12 hour drive back to San Diego when my 3 month clinical was over.

I ended up taking my first job as an OT back in Colorado. I moved to Colorado Springs with literally nothing, and only knowing one person—my friend Jules from college! Jules was kind enough to let me borrow her air mattress for two months while I saved up to buy an actual bed. I was so broke. Like truly SO BROKE. But honestly, I didn’t even care that I could only afford to eat rice and beans for a while. I was just so excited to be living somewhere I loved, in an apartment that was all mine, finally starting my career in my dream setting.

A few months after I moved and had gotten on my feet, I decided to take a fall trip to the mountains to celebrate. Specifically, to Maroon Bells. If you’re not familiar with Maroon Bells, please Google it—it’s one of the most iconic scenes in Colorado! I had saved up some money to do an overnight trip. I stayed in the cute and very tiny town of Twin Lakes where I befriended a girl and her mom who were on a trip together. We ended up hanging out the whole night laughing and chatting about life. It was such a great time. In the morning, I woke up super early and drove over Independence Pass at sunrise. I had never seen anything like it and stopped at almost every pull off to take in the views. I then headed to Aspen, and to Maroon Bells.

When I got out my car and first saw the Bells I cried tears of joy. I literally couldn’t believe how beautiful it was, and I’ll never forget it. The aspens were golden yellow and the combo of the wind and sun made the leaves move and sparkle like gold glitter. There was snow on top of the mountains. It looked like a painting. I hiked up to Crater Lake, and sat there for a while just taking it all in. I remember being so overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, and just thinking how grateful I was that everything had worked out how it did so that I could experience that exact moment. I felt like I had finally made it, like I had done every single thing I said I was going to do. It felt like no matter the struggle, it was all worth it. It was such a beautiful and unforgettable moment, and one I’ll never forget. I am eternally grateful to Colorado and the beautiful time I had there, all the people I met, and all the lessons it taught me.