Tribe Life

Everyone knows that when you start a new job, things are always challenging and somewhat confusing in the beginning.  The hope is always that the more accustomed you become to this new job placement the better and more fluid things become. I'm glad to say that this "method" if you will, has always proven to be applicable in my life. However, no matter how awesome the job is there is always that inevitable "newbie" period, when you tend to feel like no matter how prepared you are educationally, physically or mentally, everything is still so foreign... and in my case they are, they're completely foreign! 

SFCV Therapy Team!
Back L to R: Xiao Wang, Da Li, Xiao Ding, Annie
Front L to R: Naomi, Sid, Max, Kayla & Charley Moon

I've found that when you start a new job it's like joining a foreign tribe. For a while, you're  the outsider but after you've proven your loyalty, respect and integrity to each member of the tribe they accept you and take you in as one of their own. This concept, if you will,  is true in my life right now. When I first arrived here at SFCV, I knew what I was getting into; I had been here previously, I was accustomed to the daily routine and most importantly I knew the therapy Ayis and Kayla, our therapist. I knew then and still know now, without a doubt that I fit perfectly into this tribe, but as we all know there is ALWAYS the inevitable "newbie" adjustment period. Over the past few weeks I've been gradually transitioning into my new position as the head therapist, but I have to admit that in the beginning I was quite overwhelmed - the concept of taking over such a unique and well-run program was somewhat daunting. Regardless of the program challenges I was determined to win over the hearts of the three fantastic women who are the heart and soul of this therapy program; I wanted to be accepted into this program via their hearts. Of course, they really had no say in my appointment in the therapy department, but still I knew what this program meant to them and I wanted to gain their heart-felt respect. All my life I've been told, "respect is earned, not given" and earning their respect was my goal. My start was a little rough, yes, I knew them from my brief time over the summer but I had yet to really get to know them, their likes and dislikes, I knew nothing about their families,  nor did we speak the same language which limited our communication. Getting reacquainted with the Ayis and earning their trust and respect were tasks I knew wouldn't happen over night, even though they are very welcoming and genuine women. My plan of action was this: show up, talk and relate with them whenever possible (even if they didn't know what I was saying or doing), let them laugh at me, and learn as much of the language as possible. I know that you're probably thinking, "well isn't that what you do with everyone when you're getting to know them?" and the answer to that is yes. I know these things may seem like common sense, but I wanted to make sure that I went above and beyond for them and I have to say, it worked! 

L to R: Xiao Ding, Xiao Wang, Da Li

The more time we spent together, the more they laughed at me (lovingly, of course), the more pranks they played, the more they helped me learn bits of Mandarin, the more we learned about each other, the more memories we created and more of their respect I earned.  In the 8 weeks that I've been working with these Ayis, I learned so much about them and they of me, I truly believe that we've formed strong friendships based on love, loyalty and respect. They've accepted me as one of their own and I them,we're now a tribe of therapists!

On the technical side of things, my overall transition was quite smooth and gradual. Never once were tasks or responsibilities just thrown at me, Kayla took great care in guiding and assisting me in my new responsibilities, always allowing me to be independent and learn kinesthetically, yet she was always there to answer my questions and for this I'm deeply grateful. After 8 weeks of gradual learning and transitioning, I can now say that I'm officially the head therapist here at SFCV! It's at this time in this post that I want to give a massive "shout out" to Kayla Kasper, my friend, mentor, and fellow SFCV therapist. Kayla has served SFCV for 2 years and has worked tirelessly to reform and perfect this therapy program. It's because of her hard work that I had a smooth transition into this new tribe and place. I'm so honored and blessed to have had the opportunity to work alongside her!

Kayla's last day in the therapy house! We'll miss you Kayla!
xoxoxo
P.S. I couldn't have done any of this without you, Thank you!

As I've mentioned before, I'm so grateful for these ladies and the roles they play in my life. Each of them holds a special place in my heart. Being new isn't always easy, but just as I've earned their trust and respect they've earned mine. No matter how many times they say the same thing over and over again in Mandarin, no matter how much they laugh at me and my rubber boots, no matter how many times they have to remind me to take my coffee mug home, I know these ladies love me and I them! No matter what kind of day I'm having, they help make it better! I'm thankful to have had Kayla and I'm thrilled to have Xiao Wang, Xiao Ding and Da Li in my life for the incredible journey that's ahead!

L to R: Da Li, Naomi, Kayla & Charley Moon, Xiao Wang, Annie and Xiao Ding.
Nice photobomb, Seth! :)