Final thoughts on Vancouver: Impeccably clean, beautifully planned and constructed, with an unbelievable mountain backdrop. Also considering the international flavor with the 30% Chinese population, 51% non-English as a first language, and the British/Canadian heritage, this was the perfect blend between the Pacific Northwest and England; London in the mountains. University of British Columbia is nicely tucked away from downtown with an impressive campus, which would be a perfect place to study. I will definitely be keeping this location in mind during any future displacement considerations.
Oh yeah, Western Washington University and the School Counseling interview... not blown away, especially after my impressions have had time to settle. The program is heavily focused on mental health counseling skills and students are run through a rigorous client counseling course where every minute is observed and recorded. This isn't a facet of school counseling I had planned on focusing on, and it isn't something that makes a school counselor any more marketable. It also seemed very uptight and not very comfortable/personable. If they were to offer me placement I think I'd have to pass. I feel like Eastern Washington's School Psychology program would have been a much better fit, though unfortunately the application deadline has passed.
It was a long, tiring weekend, but I feel surprisingly well rested and ready for the week. I was very much in need of a weekend away and this was perfect for that. Spokane is nice, and its familiarity was a welcoming sight today, but it just can't compare to some of the other amazing locations this region has to offer. Six months left, and the offer from Portland State grows more enticing by the hour.
Final road trip quotes:
"You're retarded, those are America-colors."
"Eat it Canadian, eat my pee."
Near Gold Bar, Washington. Steven's Pass ahead.
Fueling up in Central Washington near Wenatchee.
