Shelby Keating

By day I'm a coffee slinging, cup writing, pastry eating Barista at Starbucks who is trying her best to pay for tuition by herself. By night I am a full time student who takes night/online classes, stays active with group memberships, fitness, friends, and dance practices. I'm engaged to a wonderful man whom I've been with for almost six years now (middle school sweethearts). I'm a sophomore with a major in social work and a minor in dance. I also have a TON of hobbies. Besides working out I love to craft. I sew blankets, crochet, and do a little DIY projects. I'm a picture/nature freak, if you're ever walking with me and I stop suddenly its because I'm admiring the view and I HAVE to have a picture of what's in front of me.

I'm always busy. No matter what I am always trying to stay active both physically and mentally. I create work for myself or activities if I have nothing to do. I hate to be bored, I cannot stand to sit around and be lazy. I find things to do and my days are scheduled from the very moment I wake up. This has worked for me for many years but I am just now realizing that I can't plan my life. Whether I like it or not. Even though I try hard to make plans and keep them, sometimes it isn't my plan that I'm following. Life throws out unforeseen situations that I have to adjust to and while I think I have control of all situations, I starting to let go of the control and just go wherever life takes me. I'm still following my ambitions, and trying as hard as I can, but at this point in time in my life I honestly don't know where I'll be in the future. It's a fun and exciting ride through life, and I don't want to end up holding myself back from opportunities that I might have by saying "no" because its "not in the plan".

My professional goals include completing my bachelors degree in social work and later possibly completing my masters in either occupational therapy, social work, or school counseling. This writing class will be beneficial to me because without having decent writing skills I could screw up a report and potentially risk the welfare and well-being someone else's life. I definitely do not want to be at fault for ruining someone's future. After graduation I plan on jumping straight into the workforce. My dream job would be to be an adoption case manager during the day and to be a part time dance instructor during evenings and weekends that I have off. I am determined to work as hard as I can to be successful.