I recently got back from a trip for work where GEAR UP had the privileged of taking a group of teenagers to see different colleges, Arches National Park, and the Grand Canyon. It was early mornings, late nights, and a smelly bus but in the end it was SO worth it. Getting to spend 4 days with students always reminds me why I enjoy working with teens. They are full of random thoughts and sayings, they enjoy seeing the world and are excited about it, and if you just give them a few minutes of your time they usually let you into their world and you will learn so much from them. These students are amazing teachers and amaze me each time I have a conversation with them.
Here is a beautiful picture of the Grand Canyon!
Kathryn and I standing in front of the Grand Canyon!
The delicate arch at Arches National Park!
I have been blessed for almost 6 years now working for the GEAR UP program and being able to be part of amazing students journeys, have amazing co-workers and bosses, and meet many influential people along the way. I honestly still don't know what I did to deserve such a wonderful job but am thankful everyday for what has been placed in my lap.
Being able to interact with so many unique individuals helps me open my eyes and heart a little bit more each day. It may sound corny but even though I am there to help the students I believe that they help me more than they will ever know. They require me to test my knowledge of what is right and wrong, test my patience, and to always question the world around me. One of the greatest gifts that I have been given by this job watching students grow and work to a moment of realization where they feel like their dreams are possible. Their whole mindset changes from "I can't" to "Yes I can!". They understand their potential and seem more willing to take the time to reach new heights.
Being part of such an amazing job continues to remind me that I am just a small part of a ever growing universe. Being aware of my actions and being able to take the time to understand how they provide the world with both negative and positive outcomes will allow me to continue to grow into the unique individuals I want to become.
Here's to stumbling upon a job at Casper College, 6 wonderful years of learning, growing, and happiness, and always being ready to go on adventures even if it means driving over night with smelly teenagers in a coach.
-s.
