I began writing at Kent State University, as a college sophomore pursing a journalism degree. I wrote for the Daily Kent Stater, a daily student-run newspaper. I worked as a copy editor for the paper too and really enjoyed a magazine journalism course I took. But my journalism career was cut short when I decided to pursue a graduate program in counseling. I moved from Ohio to Florida and received my Master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of Florida. I worked for seven years with college students and counseled them as they adjusted to living on campus. Everything from roommate conflicts to alcohol abuse to attempted suicide ruled my world until my first baby boy came tearing into the world and rivaled even the rowdiest of college students. I knew he needed my full-time attention so at home I stayed with Joey (now five) and later his brother, Danny (now three), until just recently when I began working part-time at this same baby boy’s preschool. So now I counsel – in a way – kids ages five and under. It’s quite a job. And I love it.
I also love writing. I’ve kept my skills sharp over the years by writing for college and university journals and magazines, various newsletters and most recently, authoring my own breast cancer blog (www.jackidonaldson.com) which details through words and photos my on-going travels with breast cancer.
One sister breast cancer survivor wrote to me in an e-mail just before my chemotherapy started, “Millions have come before you and millions will come after you – you are in very good company.” She is right. I have gained overwhelming strength and inspiration from those who have traveled before me. And I find great comfort in sharing my voice with those just beginning their journeys. I hope it helps them. I know it helps me.
