Making a Difference

Written by Lyric Johnson 

I personally have felt that I have always been mature and grew up in a very mature manner. Being a staff member has only increased that maturity further. I have for sure recognized even more that parents do a lot for their children and that it is not easy taking care of one child let alone 50+ children. However, having people there with you and to help makes it a lot easier and is a challenge that should always be taken on and it makes anyone responsible and a superhero. An eye opener for me was that all children just want attention and to be cared for, however they all show it in different ways and you as an individual they trust, just have to figure out how and help. Children are all different but very much a joy.

 One day after coming back from lunch with Juliana, this was near the end of summer, a little girl named Aisha had ran over to us saying she made us necklaces. These necklaces had our camp staff names on them (pebbles and simba) and were each created in a way that personally suited us. She was so excited, and it was one of the cutest things ever. She was explaining to us that we were some of her favourite staff members and that she felt she was able to talk to us about absolutely anything and everything. She had said that this was one of her favourite summers and not only that she would miss us, but she could not wait to come back the following summer.

This really touched my heart because not only was I not expecting her to take the time out of her playing or interacting with the other children to make me something but I also never thought I would have such an effect on her life. I was glad to be one of the staff that she trusted and felt she could come and talk to whenever. She definitely had an impact on my life because I have always found working with children fun to do and she in a way told me that what I have been doing is correct and that is one of the reasons why I love doing what I do.