I realized today that I am going to really miss my job while I’m in Honduras.
Over Christmas Break there was one day where I was driving to work in Westfield (it’s a 45 minute drive without traffic) and I was led to stop in Walgreens and pick up a surprise for my client. I didn’t get her anything big, EOS lip balm. All my friends and I here at school use it. I could tell that Rachael really wanted one. (because I’m so amazing) It turns out that Rachael was having her worst day ever. Her best friend ditched her (Best friend as in, shared every secret, spent all their time together, the highest of highs in relationships when you are a 14 year old girl).
Lip balm is not all that special. But having someone think of you and buy you something because they love and care for you? Very special.
I am going to miss getting to have those moments with my clients. The best part of my job is knowing that I am making a real difference in these kid’s lives! When Nate turned to me and said “You make me feel important, nobody is as great of a listener as you are.” I felt more satisfied and was more filled with purpose than ever in my life. Nate asked me back this summer, I can’t work with him. But I will DEFINITELY see if I can meet up with him over Spring Break.
I am going to miss Rachael and the way she gets all excited over little things. (For example making me watch clips of tv shows with her over and over because they make her laugh so hard. Or how she will just tell me her secrets while I’m taking her to the bathroom. I am her role model, she looks up to me and treasures every moment she gets to spend with me. She told me that I am her big sister (we are actually listed as sisters on facebook). I will definitely miss Rachael.
My job is all about making teenagers who are different (physically or mentally) know that they are normal and that they have someone in their life who cares for what is going on with them. I love the hours-long conversations I’ll have with Nate about movies and how he wants to change the world as a director. Or sing at the top of my lungs with Rachael just because we can.
I am really going to miss all of that. I love my job.
I can’t believe I get paid to make friends and hang out with some of the coolest people ever. It just doesn’t seem fair. =]
