I've been in my current job, managing a counselling service in a primary school, for exactly a year now. It's been a very steep learning curve, with various times in the last year of feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and questioning whether it's the job for me or not! Through the year, the actual direct work with the children is what has made the job worthwhile, and has kept me going when other aspects of the job have been difficult.
One part of the job involves me running a self-referring lunchtime service, where the children can come along and have a 15 minute slot with me, to talk about anything that's on their mind. Sometimes they choose to draw pictures - and occasionally they draw a picture of me and give it to me to put up on my wall, or write little notes to me. One I had this week said 'You're the best person in the world to talk to" which completely choked me up!
So here is a collage of some of the pictures of me - some more flattering than others!! LOL - and this is partly about the children's gratitude for having a place to come and talk. It's certainly about my gratitude to all the children for just being their lovely colourful trusting selves.
I like this very much, Sarah. I hope you feel you want to continue your work; it's so frustrating when the political/admin sides of a job overwhelm the "hands-on" part of it. I think that the children are expressing their gratitude for you in these drawings and the notes they write.
@dulciknit Thank you, Alison. I think (hope!) I might be past the hardest crises - and I'll never have to go through my first year in the job again! All is going well at the moment, and the fast approaching summer break is certainly helping. I just love the actual work with the children, and seeing what a difference it can make to them, so I'm not going anywhere just yet .. :o)
@michellegaynor LOL I know - and I don't even wear make-up! One child sees me as having a bright red nose - not sure what that's about .. and as for the top right one .. bless 'em, they're all fab! :o)
Very moving,Sarah.And I empathise with your feelings here,as I once worked as a school nurse in inner city Birmingham,later as a Health Visitor.Vital to recieve this kind of feedback that feeds the soul and strengthens your resolve, Great pics,bless 'em!
@rainbowsnic42 aww, thanks for the fave, Nic :oD
@michellegaynor LOL I know - and I don't even wear make-up! One child sees me as having a bright red nose - not sure what that's about .. and as for the top right one .. bless 'em, they're all fab! :o)
@moominmomma Thanks for your words, Lesley, much appreciated - like you say, it is those golden moments that make all the difference :o)