When I was twelve I moved to Germany, last shift was hard, unexpected changes at work. The previous is a very brief summary of the convoluted series of events, that led me to only work four out of 8 days in the field. This was a week that reminded me that all things are interconnected, and that the universe always provides healing.
My time in the field was brief. I had the opportunity to work with high functioning students, and to experience the field as a bonus staff, so there was less pressure. It was so refreshing after the shitty week award. After my time in the field I got to go home for a day. I used my free day to study German, because the following two days I spent helped a Swiss-German family through graduation festivities.
Since my translation services were needed, I had the unusual opportunity to sit in on the group therapy that the parents have before their children arrive. It was really wonderful to interact with the parents, and see a little bit deeper into the lives of my students. Seeing the students graduate and move on is the biggest reward. It isn't often that staff get a chance to see students at the end of their wilderness therapy journey. It's powerful to hear how the students have changed, how grateful the parents are, and in the end to be reminded that the work I do is important.
Being at graduation was a gift. The additional bonus of translating was also huge. I learned a lot about what I do and don't know in German. As a translator, the work I was doing had a direct and immediate impact. It felt really good to be needed in a way that gave me energy, and related so directly to my goal of being a German/French teacher. I know for a fact that the mom had a much better and more inclusive experience because I was there to help. It feels good.
My time in the field was brief. I had the opportunity to work with high functioning students, and to experience the field as a bonus staff, so there was less pressure. It was so refreshing after the shitty week award. After my time in the field I got to go home for a day. I used my free day to study German, because the following two days I spent helped a Swiss-German family through graduation festivities.
Since my translation services were needed, I had the unusual opportunity to sit in on the group therapy that the parents have before their children arrive. It was really wonderful to interact with the parents, and see a little bit deeper into the lives of my students. Seeing the students graduate and move on is the biggest reward. It isn't often that staff get a chance to see students at the end of their wilderness therapy journey. It's powerful to hear how the students have changed, how grateful the parents are, and in the end to be reminded that the work I do is important.
Being at graduation was a gift. The additional bonus of translating was also huge. I learned a lot about what I do and don't know in German. As a translator, the work I was doing had a direct and immediate impact. It felt really good to be needed in a way that gave me energy, and related so directly to my goal of being a German/French teacher. I know for a fact that the mom had a much better and more inclusive experience because I was there to help. It feels good.
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