I've been preparing to go back to school for my senior year (what?!) for a little while but nothing made it more definitive that summer was over and my NYU life was getting back in action than today being my last day at work.
I have been incredibly fortunate to have such a great summer job. I worked at the Long Island Spectrum Center -- an alternative treatment center for children with disabilities, primarily Autism. I have learned so much in the just three months of employment there. The approach that LISC takes is different from any I've seen. The office is run like a doctor's office so all our work is done one-on-one with the children so I have been extremely fortunate to have gotten to know so many amazing children. The children who come in are very different from one another but they are all so great and have each taught me a ton! And, their families are such terrific people who have enhanced my summer experience more than I ever planned.
Needless to say, I have had a great summer and loved going to work. The small staff gets along great and we're always having fun, laughing, and working as a team. If that doesn't make leaving difficult, I don't know what does. Oh wait...how about walking out after treating my last client to a cake, a plaque, flowers, and a gift?!!! I was never expecting all of that but it means the world to me! Some of the parents also gave me hugs and kisses and thanked me and all of that makes my job even more rewarding than it already is.
Now that work is done, I have two days to finish packing and getting ready to move back on the 15th to begin my RA training and then my final year as an undergraduate...how quickly life goes! Fortunately, mine has been filled with so many unique, amazing experiences :)