What is life? For many persons, when this word comes to mind, it has different meanings. Most might agree to the saying, “Life is what you make it.” As for me, the word ‘life’ means working hard, going through and overcoming struggles, reaching your goals, doing all that you can to better yourself and the people who you care about and most importantly have fun. With this in mind, this essay discusses my personal Life.

I was born in Brooklyn, and live with my mom, dad, two sisters, and brother. Later, we moved to Long Island then onto Queens, where I currently reside – Springfield Gardens, New York. I attend New York City College of Technology, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Services. Growing up in Brooklyn was not difficult when compared to others within the community. Further, not everything was not given to me. I had to work for the things I possess, whether it was through house cleaning, chores, schoolwork, and getting good grades. I was never actually given an “allowance.” My mom and dad always taught me about the value, principle, and discipline of money.

As a Human Services worker, my job is more than just a job it becomes my life. A human services worker does not just work within his/her field, the profession is an on going process. This profession has different levels, areas, and/or directions suitable for my future career development. The human service professional goes beyond his/her job duties to help clients get on the right path, to “hold” their hand throughout the process of  improving a type of behavior, to be there and keep close contact, but at the same time not smothering clients. In addition, to wanting to help others, there is a feeling of contentment and happiness when I guide individuals realize their need for help or am able to provide help at the right time. I love the feeling when the recipient says, “Thank you”, “Thank you for listening and giving advice,” “You’re the only person that actually takes the time to listen,” and “You are easy to talk with and I feel like I can tell you anything and everything.” When I hear these phrases, it makes me feel unbelievably happy. It, also, cause me to realize that I help make a change in someone’s life as well as knowing that I am worthy of making someone feel better about himself/herself and help them realize that they are worthy and somebody as well.

As the Human Service professional, I have always been interested in young adolescents living and dealing with HIV/AIDS and sexually abused individuals. It has become an interest because it is an ongoing and rising epidemic, within the Unites States of America. For these victims to recognize that they have someone who understands them without judgment is a reassuring sentiment. It gives me a pleasant feeling to know that I can relate to and possibly assist to steer them, in the right direction. Information, documentaries, skits about HIV/AIDS and abuse that involves young children and young adults has always intrigued me. Young children shape our future and the more help they receive, the more they will feel like they are worth living and their adolescent life will be better..

Working with this population, demonstrates that I have a strong heart, backbone, and show empathy to my clients and having additional knowledge about my client as well. This profession requires special skills – listening, communicating, bonding with clients, and caring. These are some of my personal characteristics.

           As I continue my pursuit of education within the field of human services, I have begun to observe people more, understand, analyze, and communicate more with others and my peers in my current classes.

After graduating and within ten years I see myself with a Master’s Degree and continuing to make a difference in the lives of individuals especially those living in less fortunate areas. I also, visualize myself being in a partnership with an organization specializing in HIV/AIDS and sexual abuse counseling program for young adults and kids. Moreover, I see myself working in a support group or recreation center. Not only do I want to give back to the New York City community but also need to travel from State to State and around the world to impoverished areas to bring changes to lives.

In conclusion, the Human Service professional, in the field of counseling young adolescents living and dealing with HIV/AIDS and sexually abused young adolescents will be an on-going information process. The skills I would have acquired and needed in order to succeed will make a dramatic change in the lives of these individuals. Being involved in this field of work makes me stronger and the client will have a sense of security.