ONE Year

Tuesday last week marked one year at my current job. That might not seem like too big of a deal, but I'm seriously celebrating the fact that I've lasted this long! The average turnover is less than a year in positions such as these, particularly this one. It's 100% a burnout job. I can't believe it's been a year already. Time really does start to fly when you're in the "real world."

So here's to a year of surviving social work. And to kids with more problems than I know how to fix. And all kinds of things I thought I would never hear or see, some hilarious, most tragically awful. And learning how to just listen when there's no other help I can offer. And never enough time and always too much to be done. And hardly any resources or structure, and constant deadlines and pressure. And becoming a master of UNO, Jenga, checkers, and dominoes. And rediscovering the magic that is playdough. And driving around with a carseat in my car. And learning to relate to teenage boys, who, a couple of years ago, would have scared me had I passed them on the street. And spending time in neighborhoods and homes I wouldn't have dared step foot in before. And to a changed perspective towards poverty and social services. And most of all, to being reminded daily of how blessed I was to grow up with the advantages I did - but for the grace of God go I.

It's been eye opening, it's been challenging. And you know what? I've really loved a lot of it. So here's to seeing if I can make it a little longer :)