Two years ago, I began my journey at EYC. It has been a wild two years to say the least. I was going through some of my stuff and I remembered that I had an awesome journal entry from my first day:
(Grandma, if you're reading this, you may want to skip this portion... there are a couple of F-bombs...)
February 24, 2015
My first day at [EYC]... yep. That place is fucking crazy and I don't know how I'm going to stick this shit out. Fucking help me. I can't do this.
I can't do this. I can't do this. I can't do this. I can't do this. I can't do this. I can't do this. I can't do this. I can't do this. I can't do this. I can't do this. I can't do this. I cannot do anything-- especially not this.
I started working at EYC to fulfill my 100 hours for our senior practicum course. I was told that the first two weeks would suck, but after about 2.5 weeks, I'd start to feel a change. They were right... About halfway through March, I fell in love with it. It's funny to think about all of the things that I've had to tackle in the past two years on and off shift. I had my car stolen by a client, experienced my first manic episode, and had my first hospitalization for a psychotic break. Yet, throughout my entire journey I haven't once been left completely alone. Of course, there were times that I did experience loneliness, as most people do, and I did lose some people along the way, but the ones that actually mattered stuck around. Some of the biggest supports during these times came from unexpected avenues-- people I was intimidated by, coworkers who I had rarely conversed with, and even a professor who I really looked up to.
Two years ago, I wasn't even remotely close to the person who I am today. EYC has taught me a whole heck of a lot of things. I have learned to be more open-minded, patient, and (while I still need some work in this realm) how to think outside of the box I used to compartmentalize things into. I'm so thankful that I've been blessed with the opportunity to serve our youth and grow with some incredible people.
I know this is pretty sappy, but right now I'm just thankful for my job and the people I get to see almost every day. It gets rough at times, but that's when we need to turn to one another for support as opposed to openly firing rounds out of frustration (which I myself am certainly guilty of). I have met some of my greatest friends and some of the best people I know over these past two years and I cannot even express my gratitude for the opportunity I was presented with when I was offered the job.
Right now, I am seeking out ways to expand my position and work my way up to fulfill my long-term goal of being a licensed clinician, and I am very excited for new changes that are in the works.
My knee is completely healed now, and I am finally off of light duty. Chad and I hit the mountain last weekend and it was really great to get back up there and breathe in the fresh Mt. Spokane air. I'm really thankful to have such a sweet and carefree guy in my life. ☺️
All-in-all, School is going well. Work is going well. All is well.
I hope all is well with you,
-A
No comments:
Post a Comment