“We are called to be the hope for the hopeless…We are called to act with justice, we are called to love tenderly; we are called to serve one another” -We Are Called, David Haas

Leadership Summit with some of my wonderful co-workers

My first blog was after 3 weeks at National Lutheran Communities and Services (NLCS) and now I finish next week. It will be hard to describe all I have learned and thank all the people that have supported me in a few paragraphs. These last couple weeks have been some of the busiest between board meetings and trying to finish up everything at work while squeezing in more sightseeing. There’s no denying I’ve learned a lot about not only about elder care but also about myself. It can be difficult to put into words, but I have improved my ability to understand myself. I have been using more time for myself to read or take walks. As a future social worker, a career with high burnout rates, figuring out how to practice self-care is essential.

Many of my reflections have been about what type of life I want for

Dress rehearsal for A Capitol Fourth concert hosted by John Stamos

myself in the future. I had a limited idea of what my future or even this summer would look like. Now I can look to my co-workers as examples. They are passionate and hard-working people who manage to make the workplace enjoyable despite the constant struggle to create quality work under time constraints. They are helping me envision the type of person I want to be while building on my own individual strengths. I am still trying to figure out how to become this person and make a meaningful difference in the world. It can be frustrating getting caught up in the day to day busyness or strict regulations but the important reminder is the people. The people you are working with are the core motivation at the end of the day and they drive your efforts. I look forward to a future where I can work with older adults every day to better their lives. Now I have more experience and specific examples to mold me into the best version of myself.

One of many adventures with my roommates, Maddie and Katie

I am so blessed for this opportunity from Valpo’s Institute for Leadership and Service to work with such a diverse group of people who have been nothing but helpful and kind. My co-workers at NLCS have trusted me with the opportunity to learn from their expertise and develop an individual project as well. Words cannot express how grateful I am to each and every person who has been a part of my journey, including my support system of my family and friends. My wonderful cottagemates, Katie and Maddie, have put up with me 24/7 for almost two months straight, being there for every meeting and adventure along the way. Jason, Cyndi, Emily, and the rest of the team have put so much trust in us. They have been there to answer every question and aid in our growth process. Marcia, Cathy, Karen, Kathryn, Hannah, Mike, Larry, and numerous others have offered advice and taken time out of their day to let me learn from them. A huge thank you to the Institute, NLCS, and the residents who have welcomed us with open arms and without whom I would not have had an amazing summer experience that challenged me in the best ways.

A part of my project

The biggest question I am left with regarding my project and myself is where does it go from here? The patient education tool I have been formatting is ready to use, but the responsibility of implementing the new discharge summary will fall on other people. It’s hard knowing I will have to walk away from something I have worked on for months. Overall, I cannot say I have fulfilled my purpose since it is an ongoing journey. As this part ends and I continue on, I am grateful for all I have learned. I am blessed to not only have support but also examples to aspire towards. It’s hard to know where my journey goes from here but I will try and be open to the new opportunities and lessons that await me. Time to wrap up my projects, say many sad good-byes, and start a new list of firsts as I am called to the next step in my journey.