4 The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 47, No. 6 From the PLSO Office L ife is a continuous journey marked by transitions—some anticipated and planned, with others unexpected and abrupt. Each transition represents a shift in our personal landscape, reshaping our perspectives, goals, and boundaries. Much like land surveying, our life transitions require introspection, measurement of our experiences, and the forging of new paths. I find myself at a pivotal juncture in this journey. My amazing, smart, and talented daughter, Hanna, has graduated high school and embarked on her college adventure at Arizona State University in Tempe, where she plans to double major in sustainability and engineering. This milestone is not just significant for her, but for me as well. As any parent of adult children will tell you, it’s a journey unto itself figuring out where your place is in their life. I must learn to balance my role as a supportive parent with the recognition that she is stepping into her independence. This shift requires me to redefine my own boundaries, finding ways to stay connected while allowing her the freedom to grow. As I reflect on this transition, I feel like a surveyor carefully assessing the reference points in my life. Her graduation marks a significant milestone, a beacon guiding me to reassess my own roadmap. I’ve watched her grow, nurturing her passions and dreams, and now it’s time for me to consider my own. This period of self-reflection prompts me to ask important questions: What do I want for myself in this new chapter? Just as a land surveyor meticulously measures the terrain to navigate its complexities, I am now measuring my experiences, reflecting on what I have learned, and identifying the values that guide me. This is a time for recalibration—an opportunity to redefine my boundaries and set new goals. The decision for my daughter to pursue sustainability and engineering is particularly exciting for me. Aside from the fact that she may end up working with a land surveyor of course, it embodies the hope I have for the future—a future where she can make a meaningful impact in addressing pressing global challenges. Her chosen field reflects a commitment to a better world, one where her contributions as a woman will be recognized for the substance of what she can bring to her community, rather than superficiality of how she looks in it. I envision her as a trailblazer, someone who breaks barriers and paves the way for future generations. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that transitions are not merely about letting go; they are also about embracing new beginnings. In this spirit, I’m inspired to think about how I can support her while also seeking out opportunities for my own growth and exploration. As Hanna settles into her college life, I find myself contemplating parts of my identity I had set aside during her formative years, which includes my own role as daughter in my aging parent’s life. Ironically, this recalibration will be happening in Tucson, Arizona, where my mother and sister live. My awesome father passed two years ago, a loss that reshaped our family dynamics and intensified my awareness of the fragility of life. As I navigate this new phase, I’m reminded of the importance of family connections. This dual responsibility is a delicate balancing act—one that challenges me to be both a source of strength and a nurturer. Aimee McAuliffe, PLSO Exec. Secretary Just as a land surveyor meticulously measures the terrain to navigate its complexities, I am now measuring my experiences, reflecting on what I have learned, and identifying the values that guide me. New Bearings Navigating Change as a Parent and Professional
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