Sofie PatzakSenior Biological Sciences and Sociology Major. Pre-Physician Assistant. This summer, I had the privilege of spending my time working at a summer camp for children and adults living with disabilities and chronic illnesses. At the Woodlands Foundation, I was part of a team of thirty college counselors. Each counselor was responsible for taking care of up to three campers per week at themed camps such as Sports or Music Camp. Our days began at 7 AM where we would help campers rise for some fun filled activities. Our days would end late in the evening once we helped the campers back into bed. Assisting campers with their daily living needs made working at the Woodlands a hands-on, patient care experience. In a short span of time, the Woodlands taught me how to transport and cath campers, manage dietary (glucose) needs, and mediate behaviors that some of the campers engage in due to their disabilities. By the end of my summer experience I had documented 700 hours of patient care. While those hours will certainly help me on my path to PA school, the moments that made up those hours simply cannot be quantified. Many of the campers look forward to spending a week at the Woodlands all year long. At the Woodlands, campers get to connect with other people their age, learn independence, try something new, or simply have the opportunity to be themselves without judgment. While those of you reading this can likely do most of those things without a second thought, campers at the Woodlands are often misunderstood or even isolated from their hometown communities because those around them do not take the time to understand their often unique communication styles. Whether this communication method be by way of a simple foot tap, a DynaVox device, or sign language, my experience at the Woodlands is proof that regardless of our communication method, we are all human beings with similar feelings, passions, and dreams. I am fortunate enough to have been able to work at a place that strives toward making these dreams come true. At the Woodlands, I got to be a part of a lot of “firsts”: a camper’s first time cooking, their first time finding a hidden talent like playing the piano, or their first time socializing with someone new. Seeing the joy on campers’ faces in these moments, moments that may have changed their lives forever, was truly priceless.
It would be an understatement to say that the counselors were the only people working to change lives this summer; my life has definitely changed because of the campers I encountered at the Woodlands. Some campers taught me patience, others taught me how to care for people in a way that I never have before. Most importantly, every single camper I met this summer has given me a newfound sense of appreciation for the value of human connection. I wouldn’t trade this summer for anything. To those applying to summer jobs in the future, I hope you too can find a workplace that not only challenges you, but helps you grow as a person. Learn more about the Woodlands and how to apply for a summer job like Sofie’s here.
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January 2022
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