Work Update

So I realize my last post was a total venting session, but it was definitely necessary.

Anyways, here is a very quick update: The girl is denying knowing how the wallet got into her room. Initially, she accused my supervisor of lying about finding it in her room. Now, while she is at least acknowledging it was it her in room, she is claiming ignorance about how it was put there.

I informed her of the seriousness of the situation, and stated because all the evidence was pointing to her, and because the act was criminal in nature. Police would be involved. She seemed very nonchalant about it all, convinced that because we had no proof she was the one who took it, no criminal action would be taken.

I called the police who informed me that while I could not charge her with theft, I could charge her with possession of stolen property, and that was the route we took. She wasn't there by the time the police came, (she has been AWOL consistently over the past month), and they stated they would be back the following day. This was on Friday. It is now Sunday, and no one has called me to update me on what has been happening, even though I requested this from my team.

Furthermore, I was talking to my coworker, who shared frustration with me over the lack of initiative the team has been taking around my wallet and she mentioned that my wallet was never mentioned at any of the staff meetings. It was only mentioned after it was found. Seriously?!... Anyways. Before this turns into another vent, I will end it by saying, now I am sure this is not a team I want to work with. Its a shame how they no longer value me or my belongings as a team member because I am no longer full time. Its good that I know now, and I will resign, and just continue working with Hull until I graduate.

FOUND MY WALLET!!

... that's the good news!

The bad news?

As suspected, my wallet was found in the bedroom of one of the youth at the group home. Now, I am faced with a difficult decision. When my supervisor called me to inform me my wallet had been found, he told me it was my decision whether or not I wanted to involve the police, and until I made a decision he did not want to tell me whose room my wallet was found in, so my choice would not be biased. While I had an idea who may have taken my wallet, regardless of the youth it was still a very difficult choice. I had to make sure my choice balanced out the notion of unconditional regard for the children, and "tough" love.

I discussed this issue with friends and co-workers at my practicum, and after a lot of thought and consideration, I decided that I would press charges on the individual. This was not the first time she had been caught stealing, and I felt that if she continued getting away with this, this also wouldn't be her last. As soon as I decided, I contacted my supervisor to inform him of my decision, and his response was very supportive, saying "I was hoping you would be strong enough to make that decision."

The hardest part of this whole ideal, is that according to the police, because where I live and where I work are in two completely different districts, it would be easier if I contacted them at work. What does that mean? I have to press charges on her, on Friday. On my shift. While she watches me give my statement. With my Car parked right outside just in case she decides to take out her anger on it. Wonderful.

Just a tad bit unnerving, to say the least. This whole situation has been. First the lack of support I felt from my team regarding this situation was enough, now I feel like once again I am alone in dealing with this situation. The night my wallet was found, I called the group home to follow up on what kind of conversation was had with the youth who found my wallet. The response? "What were we supposed to talk to her about?".... Ummmmmm... that she STOLE my wallet and that this wasn't ok, and what she has to say for herself would have sufficed. Their reply. "We were just going to wait for you to call the Cops so they could deal with it."

Thanks team. Thanks a lot.

Annyways... Im so done with working at this particular group home.. tomorrow will dictate whether or not I want to remain working with them or not... Wish me luck.

Will keep you updated.

A First for everything

Today was my first day working at the Learning Center of St. Mary's High School. So far, I have a very good impression of the school, and of the job, and already can't wait to get back to learn all that I can about it! (YES I realize how keener-ish that sounds.. but its true).

Usually, when I start a new position my first day is often filled with nervousness and anxiety, but today was pleasantly different. I was more eager, and excited to start, then I was nervous. I'm sure the long waiting process before my actual start date had something to do with it, combined with my experience working with teenage youth... but it got me thinking about all my jobs in the past, and how I felt during the first day of my first job ever...

Dairy Queen-- My first real job! I remember the whole thing so vividly. My mom was adamant about not letting m start working until I was 16 years old, and insisted that I apply for jobs in the summer, so that the work would not interfere with school. So I remember at the age of 16, walking into stores, fast food chains, malls, convenient shops, EVERYTHING, equipped with a pen and a smile ready to fill out application forms. All spring and summer I did this.. and all spring and summer I recieved no calls. Not a single one. Needless to say, by September I had given up on that dream very quickly, but then in February I received a phone call from DQ. They had received my resume from the summer, and wanted to know if I was still interested in working there. Of course I was, and after convincing my mom to let me start working during the school year, I set up an interview and prepared my self. I literally studied for this interview, probably harder then I had studied for any test in my life. I remember feeling SO nervous as I waited in the sitting area for the DQ manager to come interview me. My mom had just finished doing my hair, and my braids were so tight against my forehead that my eyes watered every time I laughed or grinned.. I remember swinging my legs under the table out of nervousness and accidentally kicking the manager.. whoops. Basically, I'm sure I walked out of there thinking it was either a disaster, or a success. Well, I thought to myself, "She either really liked me because I answered the questions well, I expressed my interest in both front and back positions, told her my schedule would be very flexible during the summer, and complimented her shirt, earings, and watch (yes I was a kissup).. OR she thought I was an eye watering, shin kicking freak who had no sense of humor because I was afraid to laugh or smile to hard)...thank goodness the interview ended up being a "sucess".. either that or the restaurant was very desperate.

After I was hired, I had to complete a series of tests, to ensure that I knew the required weight of all the soft serve products so that I wouldn't make them to big or to small, we would practice making them the perfect weight, and could eat them after.. that was my favorite part. :) By my first official start date, I remember not feeling nervous, but confident in my ability, as the training provided ensured I was equipped with the necessary skills to succeed.

Anyway, before this post turns into a novel, the point I'm trying to make, what I've learned is that there is no need to focus on feelings of anxiety or nervousness when it comes to starting a new position, or school program, or anything else.. the fact of the matter is, you were chosen for a reason. You were hired, because the employer trusted your capabilities and saw that potential in you, and often times I think we forget to realize our own potential, we forget to really trust and utilize our skills, and therefore miss out on a lot of opportunities in life because we don't truly believe in ourselves. The focus of this epiphany moment I had today was that we should always go for what interests us, whether or not we believe we can actually do it, because the worst thing your going to get out of it is a NO, and the best thing you can get is a YES.

If that makes sense. Enough for now.. look at this.. a little bit of free time on my hands, and I'm writing chapter books.. whoops.

1 month later...

So pretty much one full month after my last "1 week till i'm resigned post!" I'm still neglecting my blog. Well, the fact of the matter is, up until about a week ago I was still working full time hours at Aspen. Reason? The hiring process with the Calgary School District took forever! They required so many documents that took weeks to process and receive so while I was waiting for the documents to come in, I was working full time hours at Aspen, even though I was technically already resigned.

However, even though it took longer then one week, I am officially done at Aspen, and start my new position tomorrow.. Eeek! Kinda nervous, but am also super excited to start as well.

My last day with Aspen, was bitter sweet. sweet because I felt the job was taking so much away from other aspects in my life.. bitter because I will definently miss the kids! On my last day, the kids arranged a "surprise goodbye party" for me.. literally got me teary eyed! I was not expecting it at all, and it really meant a lot to me to see that, as hard or tough the kids may be on the exterior, they have a heart, and my work and effort was enough to touch their lives to move them to do something like this, unaided by any of the group home staff. Attatched are the pictures... it was a great cupcake and zoo filled day. haha

While the group home is behind me, I am still available to work relief shifts, so I'm not gone for good, which is good as I will still have an opportunity to work with the youth. At least now, it will be based on my schedule, and will thus enable me to balance out my life better.

Quickly scanning through my blog, the number one tell tale sign of my lack of balance or control I felt I had in my life, was the times of my posts. The majority of them were in the wee hours in the morning.. the only times when I usually found myself free to do homework, reading, blogging..and that's about it..! I would have loved to do more during that free time... but not to many people.. friends or family would probably be willing and /or able to spend time with me at 3am in the morning just cause I was free. haha

Needless to say I am so glad that I made this change in my life. The opportunity came at just the right time in my life, and that is no accident. I know that it is the work of God, that has brought me to this point. When I decided to start looking for related work elsewhere, I knew I didn't want to work in similar situations as where I was currently. Not only was my schedule invasive of the time I needed for what was important to me, the content of the work often times challenged my faith and morals, and I felt that I really had difficulty staying true to my self in that field. Moving forward with my job search I decided to be very selective, looking for jobs with Christian based organizations, where I would feel more comfortable with the decisions and options I could offer my clients. It wasn't easy, and I heard even from my mom, how difficult it would be finding a job with decent hours, especially one working with youth, especially one in a school system so close to the end of the year, especially in a Christian setting. I took her advice and warnings with a grain of salt, prepared and perfected my resume, prayed to God, asking Him for His assistance, and put it in His hands, and before long... He came through for me. He always has, and I will be always greatful.

I feel like this new position will open many different doors for me, and I cannot wait...

more later.. off to bed <3 br="">

Let the countdown begin!

So..I plan on submitting my 2 weeks notice tommorrow...countdown to my long overdue free time starts NOW
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