I recently celebrated my one year anniversary at SAS. I don’t use the word celebrated passively; there was delicious food, time for reflection, and of course selfies. I'm still in awe of this work environment and my awesome team. So what have I learned in this past year? Mayonnaise mixed with hot sauce makes the perfect dip for any fried vegetable served at F. A double espresso mixed with hot water from the coffee machines makes the perfect coffee drink. And the desktop guided relaxations provided by wellness are the perfect way to get in the zone for some good work. Speaking of work…

I arrived here ready to meet the “young professional” population of SAS as Work/Life Balance for Young Professionals was to be one of my main focuses. And can I just say, you all are awesome. I've met so many employees who are incredibly professional, driven, and kind. I so appreciate those of you who have taken the time this year to share with me to help me better understand your interests and needs.

This may not be the first time you’ve heard this spiel from me, but in continued celebration of my first year, humor me and let's look at some reasons why having a focus on young professionals is warranted in the first place. Basically, I am trying to make it as clear as possible to you young professionals: You deserve some credit and I want to normalize all that you encounter.

Here are just a few of the "firsts" we may encounter in our twenties and thirties:

• Living on your own
• First full time job – first major job change
• First time budgeting
• First onset or diagnosis of a mental health disorder or chronic illness
• First time considering savings for retirement or looking into life insurance
• First time moving to a new town
• Realizing your greater autonomy in choosing/keeping friends and re-evaluating your current social circle
• Buying a home for the first time
• First serious relationship – First major break up
• First time you/your friends are getting married, first time you/your friends have children
• First time you may see dynamic change between you and your parents
• Begin to realize unhealthy habits from college may need to change
• First time serving as a caregiver for someone who is sick
• Wondering what am I doing with my life? Should I be doing x, y, z?

Wisdom is cumulative. We can’t possibly be fully prepared for each of these changes - we learn as we go. In the face of the unknown, there are skills that can help us. Skills such as resourcefulness; seeking the support of others around you and utilizing new information. Resourcefulness works best with some vulnerability and humility to admit your need. We can practice introspection; approaching change with curiosity and having the courage to ask questions even though answers may be messy. We can foster resiliency; allowing ourselves compassion and laughter even during or after challenging times.

If we are learning as we go, we are not going to always get it right. In fact we are going to screw up – a lot. And that is okay. The person you most have to answer to is yourself. Think about your teachers, mentors, your coaches growing up. If you found yourself gravitating to those who were fair and understanding, then offer those same positive support styles to yourself.

I am so proud to work for the SAS Work/Life Department. I am by no means an expert. But while you specialize each day in your position, I get to take the time to specialize in these life transitions. Whether you want to discuss personal goals, tackle friendship - relationship - or family dilemmas, or want to see a therapist for the first time, please reach out. I can be someone to bounce ideas off of or to point you towards resources you may not be aware of. I can help you to put together a game plan of how to tackle a situation. If I haven’t had the chance yet, I hope to meet you soon. And to those I have met – thanks for making my first year at SAS the best.