Well I haven't posted for a while... my bad. I have been busy getting beat up at work (literally.) In November last year I got a job that I felt good about accepting and I moved to St. George to start work as a counselor at a youth crisis center. It has been interesting to say the least and although I don't "know" if I am making a difference i am definitely "trying" and some days feel more productive than others. I have some good stories some of which are similar to getting a chair thrown at me (bruised leg, cut up finger), punched in the head, (pink) nalgene bottle thrown at me then stolen and thrown into the toilet... you know stuff similar to that (and maybe a little worse).
The best part of my job isn't the wonderful co-worker I now have as a dear friend or the times the girls try to manipulate me to get what they want. The best part of my job is having one-on-one conversations with the girls where they open up to me and tell me things that blow my mind because for the life of me I never would have thought those lives were real or that you could survive them. I like talking to the girls and having them appreciate what I say and thank me for listening and having them sit in silence for 5 minutes just thinking about what I had told them.
Overall St. George is a nice place. It is warm and it is beautiful. Right now, it is home.
6 comments:
I totally feel ya Jen! I've worked at treatment centers for the past five years and actually just quit last week cuz I couldn't handle any more getting hurt and restraining. I bet you're awesome though!
I love you, i miss you. Let's get together. =)
gosh i'm a bad friend...i had no idea you were in st. george! i know you are making a difference- how could you not? you are the bomb!
Such a rough road... hopefully I will lead to a reward once in a while. I have a dear friend with a troubled child that has been violent towards others such as yourself... thank goodness for the brave souls that have stood by her in spite of her actions and have given her a chance to heal and grow.
Good grief Jen, you have more patience than I do. My mom worked at a last chance high school and I couldn't believe the crud she put up with. Kudos to you because it sounds like what you are doing makes her sound like a kindergarten teacher. I forgot to tell you my sister and grandparents both live in St George so next time I visit (which will be in the next 3-4 months) I'll be sure to let you know and we can do luch!
Good for you! I"m glad you like your job and you like St. George! We liked the better weather when we lived down there too!! Just wait for summer :)
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