Is This My Future???

Today, I am headed here..Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.  I am taking a group of students here on a "field trip"..we are checking out both the PhD and the Masters programs for Social Work.  I have always been anti-Case, promoting it as the designer education for social work.  Although it is a wonderful program, I have always had a heart for Ohio State.  And yes, I still very much do have a special spot for the Buckeyes..however, this PhD program..let me tell you.  I met with this group in Philly a few weeks back..they were AMAZING.  I got such a great feel from them, they were encouraging to me, a bright spot.  I never even considered applying here until I talked with them.  When I got home, they followed up with me, encouraged me to come for a visit.  I had to break my neck tracking down the OSU people and working out a campus visit with them.  So today, snow and I, I am going to check this place out.  Applications for both are due January 15th.  Sometimes, you are just guided down a path that is unexpected.  Something is leading me to check it out..
Yesterday was a reality check for me..my last day of lecture class.  As I sat there, listening to our speaker for the seniors, I could not help but be thoughtful and sad..thinking that they really are leaving the nest soon:)  They will be on their way to their internships.  Leaving dialysis was difficult for me, the relationships I had with my patients..seeing them struggle and die.  Being here is bittersweet on a whole new level for me.  I think as a social worker, with each population you work with there are definite challenges and struggles.  And I need to adapt to this area..even in teaching.  It will take me a bit not to be over involved..if that is even possible for me.  This group in particular..man.  They have been through the war with me.  I am on emotional overload about them, even if they are not graduating until May.  Things are changing..it will be different.  They are leaving me and going off to the almost "real" world.  I will see them on Fridays, but it will be different.  This is the group that stood by my side last year.  I am bonded with them through and through. 
Ah..I am emotional this week.  Drained.  Kind of I could cry at any second emotional. 
But I'm happy, really..:)
Cheers!