And then there was LIGHT!

Lesson: Life has its hills and valleys
 
 
I woke up this morning with an incredible feeling of hope inside me. With nothing but optimistic thoughts, I put on my black interview suit and out the door I went.
 
 
Up the street from my house, literally, is a youth academy for "troubled teens." It’s a court-ordered, residential facility that kids ages 12-18 get sent to when they either have substance abuse problems or are put there for truancy. I saw a newspaper ad they were looking for teacher counselor’s and aids and not really knowing much about the facility, I applied thinking how great it would be to work up the street from where you live! I got a call and interviewed a month later, almost to the day.
 
 
I met with a woman, I’m not sure what her title is but I wish I did, for about 45 minutes this morning and I think it went well! Ironically, every interview I’ve ever had that I thought I nailed and did a GREAT job, I haven’t got the job. And when I think I do terrible, I end up working there. Same with my job now, I thought I sucked in that interview, but here I am. She didn’t ask the typical interview questions, which are the ones I have my answers already scripted, like what are some of your good and bad qualities— piece of cake. She asked what I could bring to the kids and questions that actually MATTER not something like, what was your greatest accomplishment. That stuff is baloney.
 
 
Anyways, I asked so many questions about the kids and the treatment so I think she could tell I was really interested. I was worried the money wouldn’t be enough, but it will be plenty and plus I’ll be saving a TON if I don’t have to drive 50 miles round trip like I do now. My benefits wouldn’t start for 6 months and that’s a big blower bc how am I supposed to get my birth control pills filled every month?? I’m going to call my doc tomorrow and ask to change my prescription so I can get 3 packs at a time instead of 1.
 
 
I have such a strong feeling like this is what I am supposed to do with my life. I’m supposed to help these kids get through this tough time. I’m meant to be their mentor and I know exactly where this feeling comes from. I was a troubled teen through high school and I almost ended up in a home like this many many times like most of my friends. I’m lucky my mom didn’t send me away to a place like this all the times I ran away from home and all those times she found weed, bowls, cigarettes and pills in my bedroom. I was such a bad person then and looking back on it, I can see I was depressed then. I didn’t know anything about making right choices or following a good example. I was clueless. I have so much empathy for these people and I want to help. I know that all kids like this need is a good influence, a good example to follow and a friend-someone to listen and be honest with them. I know this is what God wants me to do with my life. I can feel it.
 
 
Or maybe I just feel this strongly about it because I can’t stand being a secretary anymore and I’m ready to call it quits? I shouldn’t get so ahead of myself. I don’t want to get my hopes up, but I can’t help but be excited about it! Just the thought that I MIGHT be out of this job soon excites me! I told her I could start as soon as I give my job now 2 weeks notice. She said they’re finishing up interviews next week and she’ll let me know the week after, then I could start training on Aug 31st. I already started planning how perfect that would be for me. That way I could give my job now 2 weeks notice, spend a week or even just a few days at the beach with my sister and then start a new job! SO PERFECT!!!!!!
 
 
And I have more good news besides the interview. I’m leaving for the beach tomorrow!!!!!! I can’t hardly wait, I’ve been waiting for this week for months! This is our annual family vacation in Ocean City. My dad has done this for us for about 9 years now. He rents a condo in OC for the same week of July every year and my family from Chicago comes too. It’s BIG fun to get together and just play in the waves allll day. Our condo rental doesn’t start until Saturday, but my sister lives in OC for the summers and Mark and I are leaving after work tomorrow to stay with her a few days early. We won’t be there til about midnight, but it’s well worth it! I have lots of packing to do!
 
 
HOPEFULLY when I get back I will hear about having a NEW JOB!
 
 
I’ll write from the beachhhhhhh