That song was on the radio when I got in my car tonight and it made me realize how much I love it.
So, not sure if I mentioned it or not, but I have a new job. I work at a private residential treatment facility as a Mentor, which basically means I facilitate the scheduled activities that the teenagers who are there do daily. Sometimes if a kid is on a behavior precaution, I stick with them all day, but I mostly go where I am needed.
At the end of my first 2 weeks, and 59 hours, I can officially say that I love it. Everything about it. I feel completely validated. Remember how I kept thinking something was missing? I found it. I know it doesn't sound like I do much at all. But these kids have gone through a lot, both self-inflicted and not. A lot have some entitlement issues from a menagerie of reasons. Some self-harm. Some have substance abuse issues. Some have other issues with abuse. All of them, to me at least, are sort of inspiring. They have good days and bad days, like most teens. But to hear some of the things they have lived through and are wanting to rise above? awesome. I'm in awe.
I'm still learning the ropes. I'm still trying to gain trust. But it feels good when I hear "Do you know when you work next?" "When do we get to see you?" "You were with the boys today??!?! We thought you were ours!" from these kids. And getting good feedback from my supervisors, hearing things like "You're such a natural..." "You're the best of the newer staff I've worked with so far" "You are so good with these kids" also helps. =)
Seriously, I didn't think I'd be super crazy about this job. I promised my roommate I wouldn't embarrass her since she recommended me, but I honestly thought it would be a temporary thing until substitute teaching started up again in a few weeks. But the more time I spend with these kids the more I feel like I can actually make a smidgen of a difference.
Today, I mentioned to the boys I was with that I had my karaoke machine in my car. They lit up. They asked if they could sing for a group activity. (They can earn privileges like these during the week...) Not only was it ok, but the girls would get to do it in the evening, too. (I worked a double today so I was there from 9a-11p).
Karaoke was a HUGE hit for both boys and girls. the few boys and girls who hadn't earned the privilege to participate, worked hard at working off their consequences so they COULD do it next time. And they made me promise there would be a next time. I giggled at the song choices and loved how much confidence they didn't realize it took to get up and sing solo in front of their peers. Will be using it as a behavior incentive in the future, I am sure of it.
As I sit here listening to the thunderstorm, I am content. I am happy. I feel complete. If I can just get everything else in my life back in order, I just might be able to stay that way.
So, not sure if I mentioned it or not, but I have a new job. I work at a private residential treatment facility as a Mentor, which basically means I facilitate the scheduled activities that the teenagers who are there do daily. Sometimes if a kid is on a behavior precaution, I stick with them all day, but I mostly go where I am needed.
At the end of my first 2 weeks, and 59 hours, I can officially say that I love it. Everything about it. I feel completely validated. Remember how I kept thinking something was missing? I found it. I know it doesn't sound like I do much at all. But these kids have gone through a lot, both self-inflicted and not. A lot have some entitlement issues from a menagerie of reasons. Some self-harm. Some have substance abuse issues. Some have other issues with abuse. All of them, to me at least, are sort of inspiring. They have good days and bad days, like most teens. But to hear some of the things they have lived through and are wanting to rise above? awesome. I'm in awe.
I'm still learning the ropes. I'm still trying to gain trust. But it feels good when I hear "Do you know when you work next?" "When do we get to see you?" "You were with the boys today??!?! We thought you were ours!" from these kids. And getting good feedback from my supervisors, hearing things like "You're such a natural..." "You're the best of the newer staff I've worked with so far" "You are so good with these kids" also helps. =)
Seriously, I didn't think I'd be super crazy about this job. I promised my roommate I wouldn't embarrass her since she recommended me, but I honestly thought it would be a temporary thing until substitute teaching started up again in a few weeks. But the more time I spend with these kids the more I feel like I can actually make a smidgen of a difference.
Today, I mentioned to the boys I was with that I had my karaoke machine in my car. They lit up. They asked if they could sing for a group activity. (They can earn privileges like these during the week...) Not only was it ok, but the girls would get to do it in the evening, too. (I worked a double today so I was there from 9a-11p).
Karaoke was a HUGE hit for both boys and girls. the few boys and girls who hadn't earned the privilege to participate, worked hard at working off their consequences so they COULD do it next time. And they made me promise there would be a next time. I giggled at the song choices and loved how much confidence they didn't realize it took to get up and sing solo in front of their peers. Will be using it as a behavior incentive in the future, I am sure of it.
As I sit here listening to the thunderstorm, I am content. I am happy. I feel complete. If I can just get everything else in my life back in order, I just might be able to stay that way.
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