Shefa1124

Working with children is very complex and rewarding. I’ve been in youth programming for over 12 years and am currently the COO for a Boys & Girls Club.

If you’ve no experience, I suggest you volunteer first. Not only does this give you front line exposure to the work, rewards and challenges, but it also gets you in the door of potential employers or at least references.

I also suggest volunteering because children do get attached and take things very personal. Not understanding the details, separations are often taken personally. If it is understood from the beginning that you are only there for a little while, then they know leaving has nothing to do with them, just part of the plan. Then, if you do stay, it is a pleasant surprise. One might say, “what’s different about leaving after a short stint versus leaving for another job eventually?” Most likely, if you are employed for the long-term, you children will outgrow the program you are working on before you would leave. In other words, they are more likely to say the goodbye instead of you.

Good luck! The children always need someone who wants to be with them!

In October 2007, I visited Ortega Sicily. It was a birthday present from my daughter who was studying there. I decided I wanted to travel each year – ideally one domestic travel and one international but I’d be satisfied with one real trip a year. The same year, we visited New Orleans and the Sea Coast Islands of South Carolina and Savannah GA. I also went to Woods Hole, MA and spent time at Martha’s Vineyard.

In 2008, for Memorial Day weekend and my daughter’s graduation present, we visited New Brunswick and the Bay of Fundy. I wanted to go back to Cape Cod and visit Nantucket Island but that is still to be planned.

For 2009, I’ve made no plans yet but I think I’d like to visit Mexico if I cannot get to Ireland. Our local trip is to Disney World – or at least the plan is. Since I’m undergoing a long-distance move, I may have to be happy with only one trip for 2009 but that’s fine. I have so many things to do on my list!