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.

Signed... Sealed... Delivered!

Yup. It's official!!

I have submitted my application to the Social Work Master's Program. Now I just need to submit my supporting documents, updated resume, and reference letters. The rest is in God's strong hands, and if it is in His plans, I will be embarking on a new chapter in my education come Fall 2011. =)


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

Autumn Beauty

I forgot just how beautiful Calgary can look in the fall...God's creations will never cease to amaze me!
[if I had access to one I would totally insert a beautiful cowtown fall pic here courtesy of the beautiful sarah nadine!]
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Back to back to....back!

So I'm totally realizing my last 3 blog posts have started with "back"to something or "back" in something....

I clearly need a burst of originality. Creativity where are you!?
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Back to School!

Errr...well kinda! today was my first day of practicum...and so far so good!

=)
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Back to the grind.. !

Yup. That's right. After about a week of rest after touching down in Calgary from Tanzania, it was time to get back to work. And man, did I get back to work with a vengeance. Haha, I really felt like I had to compensate for the money I wasn't able to make during the summer while I was on vacation.

When returning back to work, I tried to make a schedule that would fit for me, and unfortunately in order for me to do that, I had to make some changes. One of the biggest ones was quitting my school learning counsellor job. It was a job I really enjoyed, and I had been really looking forward to starting off the school year and sharing the journey with the students of St. Mary's high. Unfortuantely, upon receving my final practicum schedule from the University of Calgary, it quickly became very clear that this wasn't possible.

It looks like I will go back to picking up some relief shifts at the group homes where I work as they become available While I considered looking for a more steady part time job, I decided against it, as I will also be doing a practicum during my winter semester, and I have no idea how that schedule will look like either! And I don't want to risk having to leave another job that I've fallen in love with.

Right now, I am having no difficulty findig shifts as there seems to be alot of people taking off vacation time. When that phase ends, I guess I will just have to reevaluate my budget and work from there! Until then, its back to the grind for me. Might as well make that money while I can!