What's next for Erin, in St. Louis? A full time job!

This has taken me some time to write and I feel like I didn't really want to, or owe anyone an explanation. That is until, one, I will want to remember these thoughts and feelings and two, people have been "surprised" that I ended up back in St. Louis. I don't know that I'm 100% thrilled about it because I really was getting used to KC and finding family in different activities. However, the book must go on, pages must get turned and the unknown will grow me in ways I am not prepared for. So all I am doing is buckling up and going with it.

In short, I will be taking a full-time position at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis as the Communications Associate in the Department of Advancement. It's a unique opportunity because the seminary had some objectives and predetermined tasks that this position will do, but in conversations with people, they developed a small portion of the position around my talents.

I'll be updating the website and social media pages, analyzing the metrics of both, doing photography and videography, coordinating mass emails and newsletters, designing and producing print resources and anything else that gets assigned.

This position really must have been meant to be because I first made contact with Eden in late May. At the time they were going through some revamping and opening of new positions so I lost contact with them for the summer, really it was A LOT of phone tag. So much so that I almost said, "Just put your job focus elsewhere." Until one morning when I was driving to Fox4 and thought to myself, give them a call and see what happens.

August 12 at 8:46 a.m. I got through! (God bless "recent call" receipts.) Then was put in touch with the woman who'd interview me, got an interview set up a week later, and a few days later got the offer. While the process began slowly I still hung on and was interested and here we are. So the lesson here, don't give up on something that feels right in your heart.

While I'm nervous, I am so excited because when I went in for my interview every single person was so kind. I even walked out with a fresh zucchini and cucumber. Now I get to work with and learn from them. So I can't be worried. I also know I am prepared to do what they're asking of me and I'm so passionate about storytelling and sharing what's going on in different communities. So a lot of what this position is will grow that "reporter" side and skills of what I want to accomplish one day.

At Eden they are not just a seminary—"We're an ally. We fight for the community, the marginalized, for interfaith unity, and the greater good. We aim to better the world through our approach to learning."

That says ERIN WIDES all over it. I am looking forward to meeting all the creative, wise minds that come through Eden and hearing everyone's story.

I have my orientation tomorrow morning and my first day Sept. 9 so a lot of changes but with change comes growth and lessons. And for those who really follow my passions, I will get to work some weekends at a STL Trader Joe's so I will get to stick with that family and I am so excited to get back into that groove.

Here's to new adventures in St. Louis!