I'm almost all ready for my presentation tomorrow. I've decided since it is pretty difficult to put together a documentary, just to talk about my presentation. I will be showing the class the interview I had with the anonymous individual (it will have edited voice overs and the person will be cropped out), the number of rehab centers I have found in Kansas alone, information from my over-the-phone interview with Mr. Michael Ciaccio, and some other information I gathered from a family friend, Mrs. Jordan Duling. I'm hoping and praying that this presentation goes as smooth as I envision it to. I tend to get very nervous speaking in front of others, especially my classmates. I'm always afraid they won't think my work is good enough, but I'm feeling pretty confident about this one. Wish me luck, and pray for me please!!!

On Saturday, I interviewed the individual who wished to remain anonymous. I can't exactly put into words how that interview made me feel, but I'll try and sum it up. At first I was nervous. I've never been one who likes asking people questions for it to be put on film and seen. As we got further into the interview I relaxed. It felt like an everyday conversation, but a way deeper conversation. I honestly love it when people open up to me, because it makes me feel like I was good enough to be confided in.. ya know? I love knowing people's life stories. They always say, "Don't judge a book by it's cover." Everyone has a story or an everyday struggle they're dealing with that people don't know about. This project has helped me a lot by not "judging the book by it's cover." Until you walk a mile in someone's shoes, don't just assume that person is fine.

EXCITING THINGS ARE HAPPENING FOR ME!!! I decided to look up some more professional counselors on the Internet, and actually got the chance to talk to one over the phone!!!!! I was a bit nervous at first, but once I got into the conversation with this young man, everything went great. He is a LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) out of Missouri. I sent him an e-mail about a week ago, and since then we've been trying to set up a time to talk. We kept striking out, but decided that today at 11:40 was the best time for me to interview him. I gathered a lot more information from him than I ever thought possible. He shared with me the following: what his "work title" is, how long he's been at his position, what motivated him to this, and if his job ever affects him/carries into his home life. Networking is so great.

Unfortunately, my "helper" is not here at school today to help me with my interview. This whole thing is making me nervous. I love talking to people, but I absolutely hate when I have to in front of lots of them. I just have to keep telling myself: This is MY project, not anyone else's. It shouldn't matter what people think, and if you're going to become an actual addiction counselor, you had better have a strong backbone and a thick head on your shoulders.

This project is a lot harder than I originally thought it would be. I didn't think it would really require me to come out of my comfort zone.. I was wrong, and I'm not much for coming out of my comfort zone, haha. As I was researching questions to ask this certain individual, I came to realize just how hard and personal this interview would be. I will try my best not to get emotional. This is a subject that really hits home.

Wowza! I never thought a "school-related" project would be so fun and thrilling. This project is literally full of never ending surprises... from finding individuals wanting to network on about.me, posting blogs like this to "brag" about my stuff, to finding more individuals to interview for my documentary about substance abuse; and if any of you know me, you know that I love thrills and surprises, lol. If anyone has any suggestions or positive commentary to help me with this project, please let me know!!! I'd be willing to listen.

Today has been fun.. I started writing down information to contact a couple of people in order to receive more information for my project. I created an about.me account today, and I am so stoked to start networking with people. I found a person on that site that is a recovering alcoholic, but she has her own intervention and addiction service. That inspires me so much. My mom was an alcoholic, and ever since then, something inside of me sparked. I've been intrigued by the subject for as long as I can remember. It is my dream to become a substance abuse counselor, and I am willing to do as much as possible as I can to come in contact with as many people as possible in order to help me achieve my dream.