I became an employee of Spring Creek Lodge in June 2002. At first I was very uncertain about being given the responsibilities of a family parent and flex staff. I questioned my capabilities of performing the tasks needed for this job. 'Who was I to take care of teenagers who were nearly the same age as me'? I asked myself. But as time went on, I realized that I had been given a chance to make a difference in others? lives. I learned that if I believed in myself, I could do what was asked of me. I wanted to prove that I was worth the time and training that had been given for me to become a part of the Spring Creek Lodge staff.

In the beginning, my goal was to be an employee that could be counted on. But as I began to work with the students of Spring Creek, my goal changed. No longer was I focused on being the best. Instead my focus became helping the students. I wanted to be there for them, if only to show them that I cared for them. I wanted them to know that I was there.

By working at Spring Creek Lodge Academy, I learned how to look beyond actions, and to try to understand the reasons for the actions. I was put in situations that I never thought I would have to deal with outside of Spring Creek, but I thought wrong.

I joined the Navy before starting work at Spring Creek. Then after three months at Spring Creek it was time for me to go. I headed to boot camp not knowing what was in store for me, but I was encouraged by the confidence that co-workers, family and friends had given me.

Shortly after I arrived, I realized how well my experiences at Spring Creek had prepared me for boot camp. Because of my experiences at Spring Creek, I knew how people acted when they were taken out of their normal environment, their comfort zone, and were asked to learn new ways of doing things. I also knew that many people would oppose what was being asked of them. By knowing this, and how to deal with these kinds of situations, I was able to help keep order and peace among my division. I was also able to deal with being away from my family and friends.

I?m afraid to think how boot camp would have been if I hadn?t learned all that I did at Spring Creek Lodge Academy. I?m glad that I was allowed to become a part of Spring Creek for the short amount of time that I was there. I truly miss being there, and I?m thankful to all of the staff and students for what they taught me. Thank you Spring Creek for being a part of my life. I?m truly grateful!