I started my school placement on Monday and so far, it's been very, very interesting. Whenever someone asks me whether I want to work in the schools or hospitals, I tell them I really don't know. BF is training me to say, "I will have my own practice." On a short-term basis, my feelings of where I want to work change from day to day. On Monday and Tuesday, I was convinced I wanted to work in the schools. The kids come in groups, all happy to be there to play and get rewards.
Today I went to my two other placements, and it was really eye-opening to see the reality of the current issues that SLPs potentially face. SLPs constantly struggle to provide what is best for the child, but the challenge isn't always dependent on the child's abilities. Other factors complicate progress: socioeconomic status, un-nurturing environments, absence of (loving) parental figures, parental figures who care more about receiving funds for their "child with special needs" than doing what is best for their child, etc.
Caught in the middle are these adorable little kids who just don't know any better. It's refreshing to see that these kids still do their best to thrive, despite their circumstances. Yesterday, MCJ said good-bye to one adorable kiddo, "See you next Tuesday!" The kiddo said, "I will be sick next Tuesday." How do you know you will be sick next week? "My Mom says I will be sick next Tuesday and Wednesday so I won't be coming to school so I can't make it to speech class." Oh.
God bless all of these small potatoes.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
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Working with kids with such dire circumstances can be unbelievably trying, saddening, frustrating, heartbreaking, but equally thrilling, fulfilling, magical, incredible and joyful.
You will do the best you can, regardless of the circumstances. You will make an impact. For some you will never know what that impact may be, it may not happen for many, many years, but you are making a difference on some small (and sometimes grand) level in the lives of human beings and for that you are making humanity better!
God bless YOU and your kiddos!
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