Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (150 word limit)
As a caretaker at Via West Services, I provide constant, direct care for special needs children and young adults for three to five days at a time. In addition to being personally responsible for one or two participants, I organize and lead activities for camp attendees, train and guide weekend volunteers, and prevent and de-escalate hazardous situations. Not only does this position require leadership, a love for helping, and unlimited enthusiasm, but since the campers have various degrees of mental challenges, it also requires a high level of responsibility and vigilance. Since many of my campers are low-functioning and cannot communicate their needs, I spend a lot of time helping them with their daily tasks. This job has allowed me to form deep bonds with the children I work with, and I have been constantly inspired by their strength and perseverance.