Enjoying Work

With summer I have had a break from my job working as a one-on-one para in a special ed classroom. I originally took this job as it was recommended that I be a para since they were so often needed. I didn't know if I would enjoy it and had some reservations in the beginning.

Now after having completed a year on the job and about to start another school year. I fell in love and enjoyed it in an unexpected way that surprised me. Being a para challenged me and I found new skills and strengths because of it. I found that I was much more capable in the special ed classroom than I originally thought. I was taught patience and thinking on my feet. I also learned much more about how the school district worked with students and families. Being a para I unexpectedly learned that I am passionate about working with families who have children with disabilities. I found an area that I can really specialize in for social work. I might even want to do graduate-level research in my grad program.

Being a para I had some wonderfully sweet moments, surprising ones, and many gross ones. My student sometimes would hit me but once when I needed an inc pack she kept insisting that I keep it on and saying sorry after. I will say I never expected to say "please don't put your shoes in the toilet" or "please don't lick your ipad" but I find that I am able to laugh about it later. I also learned how to create activities surrounding learning for my student that were at her level.

Overall, while being a para wasn't my plan at all it has worked out be amazing and I have learned so much from it. I am so grateful for the experience.