Internship

I think I've found my dream job! The process for starting my internship took MUCH longer than I expected. But, I finally started and I love it!


I have said many times through out years that I never wanted a desk job because I would hate to just sit all day. I also didn't want something that required hard labor, and I wanted something that had to do with kids. This internship is the perfect match.
They have me picking up foster kids, supervising the visit with the parents, taking notes on behavior and actions and conversations. Some times the parents really lack any parenting skills at all, and I'll have to tell them things when they are being dangerous.
There was a developmentally delayed boy who has been working on crawling. I was sitting in the visit and suggested to the mom that we encourage him to try walking. With a little coaching, by the end of the visit he took his first dozen steps from me to Mommy then back to me. He seemed fascinated, and it was thrilling to witness.
Another child was very delayed in her potty training. When I first met her she would cry if we even suggested going to the toilet. Now when she first sees me she runs up proudly squealing, "Anna, Anna, I went potty all by myself!"
One 4yr old boy met me on my first day of the internship. He made it very clear that he did not like me, and did not appreciate me being there to pick him up to visit his parents. Even his younger sister mentioned to him at one point, "You're being a little mean." The next time he saw me, he ran up and gave me a hug. I was shocked that he was so happy to see me again. The time after that I was driving him home and he asked me to be his wife. That conversation itself was a crack up. "Anna, will you be my wife?" I said, "I'll be your best friend." He said, "Ok, but will you marry me?" I said, "Don't you want to marry some one who's not too tall to put your arm on their shoulder?" He said, "Oh yeah, and it would be really hard to kiss wouldn't it?" Made me laugh out loud
One time I was driving a 2yr old to his foster home. I took a wrong turn and got lost. It started getting frustrating and I was letting out, "Oh, Arg, Grr." All this was made more entertaining and some what relaxing by the cutie in the backseat copying me then giggling. I asked him, "Are you being cute?" He stroked the side of his hair and went, "Har har har" When I finally found the house, he threw his hands and let out a "Yeah!". (Pretty hilarious sight from a toddler)
It is a very rewarding role with something new and adventurous everyday. A few of the kids I recognized from the news. It was great to see how healthy and happy they are now compared to when their story was on tv. I get to see the happy ending that most don't get to see.
Not only do I get to see their health and wellness improving, but I also get to see parents cleaning up their own lives (some anyway). Going to rehab, leaving the abusive partner, taking parenting or anger management classes, finding a job, quitting drugs.
It is always inspirational to me to see a person motivated to improve their life. I definitely feel I have found my "thing"