I have really tried to savor every moment I have had at the Tennyson Center. When I came here last February, I always had the intention of coming back to further help the kids and the classroom environment in any way I can. This experience has been a lesson that I will always carry with me. It has taught me about perspective, patience, understanding, solidarity, and behavior. I worked mainly with ASPEN kids who are all diagnosed with autism and a second diagnosis. They have taught me so much about working with kids and seeing into the mind of a kid with autism. Most of these kids have struggled with things I will never understand at all. Not being able to totally help or soothe those struggles is a very tough thing I struggle to come to terms with. I have to remember I can’t fix everything, and that’s okay. These kids are truly so joyful on the inside though. They were fairly welcoming to me and I am glad that they have allowed me to help them with whatever they need. Helping these kids has taught me a lot about patience, because they get distracted easily. Sometimes you have to re-explain something three times. It can be tedious, but the simple reward of a kid finishing a worksheet is what makes that worth it. An image from today that has stuck with me on the second day, was when all the kids wanted me to watch them play computer games during their free time. I love this because all the kids were letting me see a little part into their interests, which I appreciate, considering some of the trauma they have experienced. The truth is, they are all kids. They all act how every 10-year-old or 13 year old boy acts. I have a little sister who is diagnosed with autism, and I see some of her behaviors in them. They all have that same playfulness. They all have things that they enjoy doing, and things that don’t enjoy doing, and they make that very known! They all want that same attention and validation, and I think as people who are older, it is our duty to give them that so that they know they are important. This experience has taught me a lot about problem solving and finding different ways to treat people. To identify triggers and to somewhat talk them out of becoming dysregulated. Overall, I have been so proud of these kids, whether they have been trying new ways or communicating with each other or pushing through to write another sentence. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for these kids.