Hustling Backwards

Right now I am sitting in a cottage type domicile. There's a table, a bed, two chairs, and a bathroom. In addition, there are plastic guards on the windows, the heating and air conditioning units are behind metal enclosings, and there is an additional room with reinforced doors and a camera in the ceiling. Oh and there's a ten year old boy on that bed. Welcome to my line of work.

I currently work at the Doctor Franklin Perkins School in Lancaster, MA, just a walk away from my campus. I started working here because they pay well and it helps me fulfill my requirements for graduation. But like every other event in my life, it seems to teach me more than I expected.

At Perkins, there are children of both sexes from ages 5 - 17. The vast majority of kids here were placed by the state for one reason or another. They all have behavioral issues, some more severe than others. I work specifically with boys from 10 - 13. For the three months I've been here, it's been one wild ride. So far I've been punched in the arm, had a bike tire thrown at me, had a bowl of ice cream smashed in my face, amongst other things. But I actually love working here.

The reasons are many. For one, it's teaching me about myself. Often we're telling the guys to be more cognizant of what sets them off. I've had to look inside myself at times and just be more introspective. Another reason it's great is because I have some awesome co-workers. I forgot how great the camaraderie is in a healthy workplace. The bitch session has to be one of the best therapeutic activities ever.

The reason I love the job the most is because of the kids. Yes they scream endless strings of expletives at you at the slightest provocation. Yes they assault you when you stand in their way. But at their best, they're some of the most charming kids ever. ANd really they are just boys. They mess up just like boys do. They just happen to overreact and have anger management issues. But really, they are the sweetest.

So I figure I need to be in a profession where I'm working with the little ones, helping them reach their most fulfilling tomorrows. Just because life dealt them a bad hand, it doesn't mean that we can't slip them some new cards. Everyone deserves a shot at four of a kind.