During the summer of 2007, in the months following my graduation, I began to panic. I had just realized that, honestly, I didn't know what to do with my life, and I was on my way into a college that I wasn't really sure I wanted to attend, with an unset major, and I was honestly clueless... Just a few months before, I was dead-set on my path in life, and I was panicked that in a few short months I had changed.
After attending the community college for a couple quarters, I decided not to register for summer quarter, and just find a job; I felt I was wasting my time at WSCC, because I still hadn't really decided on a major. After bouncing around from job to job for a while, I began to work in health care at the strong urging of my parents. They had always wanted me to go to school for nursing, and although I care deeply for people, my stomach is just not as strong as my heart is. I am very grateful to the people who CAN stomach it.
I worked in two positions, as a nurses' aide, and I honestly loved helping the elderly, and handicapped people. I didn't, however enjoy the drama that came with it. Of course, I realize that every job will be drama filled, but if you haven't worked at a nursing home... you'll never know REAL drama in the work place. I lost my job at Interim because a client was dishonest to my superiors, and completely lost the heart for doing home health.
About 4 or 5 months ago I received a job offer that I couldn't turn down, because I had been out of work for a month or so, and was unable to find a job. The position was as an aide working in a home with Autistic Children.
At first I was completely horrified! At my interviews they had told me that the children were always biting, hitting, pulling hair, pinching, screaming, eating things they weren't supposed to, smearing and eating feces... exct. I honestly didn't know what to expect. Until I started working with them.
One thing I have to say before I go on is that... My job is not a walk in the park, or the job I thought I dreamed of, most people say I don't get paid nearly enough, I say I get more out of it than money.
When I walked into that house on June 1st... I didn't see four violent children, I saw four lovable kids, that deserve every bit of love they get! I'm blessed to have met all of them, and I love them all unconditionally. They are adorable, fun to be around, most days, and as much like any kid you'd see walking down the street, as I'm the same as you. They have big hearts, smart minds, and strong grips on my heart. I'd do anything for anyone of them.
I went on vacation in August, and it happened to be the same week that one of the kids moved out of the house. =( I missed them all so much when I was gone, that I had to buy them each a souvenir, even the one that would be missing when I got back. Sadly, I still miss that kid, and I will always wonder what becomes of her.
I'm not entirely sure where I am going with my blog today, I just kind of felt like writing down how much I care about my job. It isn't just a job to me. I can't just blow it off. I learn every day that I am with the kids, every hour I spend with them, there is usually a new face, action, that I have never seen before, and though lately they have been replacing violent behaviors with hugs and kisses, they are completely unpredictable, but equally enjoyable. Autism is just a label we have to have the heart to look beyond.<3