Introduction to a Dog Mom!

Welcome! 

      My name is Ashley Graumann. I am a senior at OU hopefully finishing this Spring 2018 semester with my bachelor’s degree in psychology. Initially, I was not sure what I was going to be doing once I graduated with a degree in psychology. The last thing I wanted to do was apply to graduate school to take more classes. However, the best class that I took was a course in psychology called Intimate Relationships. I really enjoyed learning about different intimate relationships that people can and will experience throughout their lives. Learning about different styles and communication techniques for partners was very intriguing. The course even inspired me to apply to graduate school. I now want to become a relationship counselor.

      During the day, I work at Southmoore High School in Moore as a Paraprofessional in Special Education. For those that do not know a Paraprofessional is a highly qualified teacher’s assistant. They work to help Special Education teachers in their classrooms or can be one-on-one with a special needs student to help them succeed in school. Since I am in high school one of the most significant issues educators run into (not just with special needs students) is getting the students to focus on what they are going to do once they graduate. College isn’t always the right choice for every student. Not only do educators have to teach state curriculum but they also have to help their students with life lessons that can help them succeed in a future career. I have very high respect for all of our educators and the major part they play in their students’ lives. Since my next profession will require more school, and I will need a job to pay the bills I plan on taking the teaching certificate tests this summer. This way I can get alternatively certified to teach English starting in Fall 2018.

              While I do not have any children of my own, I do have two dogs. They are basically my fur babies and are very spoiled. My oldest dog is a boxer named Doug; he was a rescue from Red Dirt Boxer Rescue. When I got him, they were not sure of his age, so we just assumed he was three at the time I got him That makes Doug seven years old now. He is my sweet boy, even though he is big he is very gentle with kids and other dogs. The only time he gets aggressive is when the washing machine challenges him with its "clicking" noise he does not like. My younger dog is a longhaired dachshund named Jax; he was gifted to me by a boss that I worked as a for as his personal assistant. The whole time I worked as the personal assistant, Jax preferred me because I was the one who took him to all of his appointments and puppy training classes. He listens to only me, and then only if I have a treat to offer most of the time. Since I have raised Jax from a puppy, he thinks he runs the household. We have power struggles over who is in charge of the house. (He wins most of the time.)

       Since I am not very tied down, I can travel year around. I try to have some fun trips planned throughout the year so that I can get a little break from life for some excitement. PLus I am at the age of weddings, most of my traveling is wedding trips that also become a mini vacation. However, since I am trying to focus on getting my degree finished, I did not get to travel as much last year as I would have liked and I stayed in the United States. I have still never been out of the United States so, I think for my “I finally graduated” celebration I am going to travel outside of the United States. I put in for my first passport, I know they take a little time to get so I figure by summer time I should be free from college and ready to travel. Hopefully, I can find something affordable but still fun and relaxing. I thought a cruise would be the most fun because they are all-inclusive plus you get to visit multiple islands. However, I am a little worried I might get seasick though. If you have suggestions OR helpful travel advice, I would love to hear it!!

            

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Image: Teacher Meme. Source: flickr by LeighAmy_PlusSize
Image: Doug and Jax laying on the bed. Source: Personal Photo (August 2015)
Image: Doug and Jax in Sooner Football gear. Source: Personal Photo (January 2016)