A Day in the Life...Let's talk summer

July 19, 2018

A Day in the Life…

Let’s talk about summer.

In my job at Ohio Northern University I work with schools and students, and just like them I do not attend school in the summer. That is not meant to say I do not work in the summer because I typically do. This summer is very different because of my surgery. It is difficult to be slowed down but I am trying every day to count my blessings and enjoy a slower pace.

In the past, I have worked with at-risk youth supervising them on job sites during the summer. I would say that most, if not all, were somehow involved with the court system and had little to no support system at home. What a frustrating and rewarding job!

I remember one summer in particular. We were working on a horse ranch. Guys were picking stalls and girls were cleaning the living quarters. My role was to teach them employable soft-skills and make sure that the owners of the ranch were happy with their performance. Believe me when I tell you that most did not have a clue how to really work. I know there were days when they wanted to walk away and never look back as I would make them repeat the same job multiple times. For them, getting close was good enough. I had to help them see that good enough was not necessarily what we were going for. And, YES, they got it by the end of the summer!

I would pick them up in the morning to take them to work. I always gave them a time I was leaving as I was trying to teach them that punctuality is important. I only left someone one time and they knew I was serious. Cussing was another issue. These kids were from the streets and I heard all kinds of colorful language that first week. I would gently remind them that swearing was not acceptable in the job place or very respectful to me. Soon, I would hear one slip and just as quickly hear an apology.

They were a special group and we grew into quite a family that summer. They grew to trust that I was on their side and they shared stories that will always stay with me. As hard as that summer was, I will cherish those memories forever. It reminded me that everyone needs someone to care. Sometimes, that is ALL we need. How often do we judge from outside appearances and assume that someone is a lost cause? We write them off without a second thought. Perhaps that person you are judging is fighting a battle we could never imagine. I have learned to not assume and I try to be kind.

At the end of that summer we took a family photo. I love that picture and wish I could share it here. However, many of them did not want their photo made public and I will respect that. I keep it for myself. I am not sure that their lives were changed forever but I do believe they were changed for that summer. I know mine was truly changed forever and I will always think of them as my kids.

Thanks for letting me share that memory…have a great day!