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| always and forever |
28 August 2011
being a summer aide
This summer I decided to change jobs before I left for school again. With that decision, I had to say goodbye to all the lovely people at the movie theater and start on a new adventure somewhere familiar. I got a job at a place very close to my heart, the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. I have been involved there for the past 6 years, volunteering and as staff. I have always enjoyed my times spent at OI so I wanted to work there again for the summer. I got hired as a summer aide for OI summer camps. Let me tell you this, it was not what I was expecting.
It is not a usual summer camp with games and time fillers. This camp is a place to learn while still enjoying yourself. The instructors and leaders care so much about educating these kids, it's amazing to see. It has been 11 weeks of constant Monday through Friday, labs, boat rides, field trips, different characters of kids, and the constant uncertainty of the tides. But I have loved every minute of it.
I have never worked with kids quite like this, so it has been both a challenge and a blessing. I have been able to see the difference in kids, from age, family, and their personalities. I feel like I have grown a lot having to talk with them, teach them, and deal with the conflicts that arise. I am proud of myself, because in all honesty, I never thought I would have to do something like this.
I have always learned so much from the people around me. All of the instructors have gone to school and this is what they want to do. It was such an eye opening experience for me to be able to see these people, a lot still very young, doing something they love. Yes, there were times when they needed to escape the constant questions or the misbehaving kids, but that comes with the territory. To me, seeing them teach these kids things that they didn't know and see the light bulb turn on in the kids eyes, it made me smile and happy to know that maybe one day I could do the same.
Now I am entering my last week as a summer aide, and I have to say, these weeks have flown by too fast. I can't believe its over, I don't want it to be. But it has given me hope and something to work towards. I have grown a lot in my own knowledge, learning what I am capable of, and my confidence. I hope that I am able to work with these summer camps next year, I am already looking forward to it.
It is not a usual summer camp with games and time fillers. This camp is a place to learn while still enjoying yourself. The instructors and leaders care so much about educating these kids, it's amazing to see. It has been 11 weeks of constant Monday through Friday, labs, boat rides, field trips, different characters of kids, and the constant uncertainty of the tides. But I have loved every minute of it.
I have never worked with kids quite like this, so it has been both a challenge and a blessing. I have been able to see the difference in kids, from age, family, and their personalities. I feel like I have grown a lot having to talk with them, teach them, and deal with the conflicts that arise. I am proud of myself, because in all honesty, I never thought I would have to do something like this.I have always learned so much from the people around me. All of the instructors have gone to school and this is what they want to do. It was such an eye opening experience for me to be able to see these people, a lot still very young, doing something they love. Yes, there were times when they needed to escape the constant questions or the misbehaving kids, but that comes with the territory. To me, seeing them teach these kids things that they didn't know and see the light bulb turn on in the kids eyes, it made me smile and happy to know that maybe one day I could do the same.
Now I am entering my last week as a summer aide, and I have to say, these weeks have flown by too fast. I can't believe its over, I don't want it to be. But it has given me hope and something to work towards. I have grown a lot in my own knowledge, learning what I am capable of, and my confidence. I hope that I am able to work with these summer camps next year, I am already looking forward to it.
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