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What originally made you want to work with EA?
A friend from church, former EA Social Worker Roxanne Mitchell, asked me if I was interested in an "internship" as a support counselor. I was finishing up my bachelor's at CSU Stanislaus and it seemed like perfect timing. I had some experience with working with children but I was excited about this opportunity to become a support counselor to gain better knowledge and training in this field. I felt very welcomed by my two interviewers, Roxanne Mitchell and Lysha Lewis, and felt like EA would be a good fit for me to get my foot into the door in this area of social work.

Describe what your best day on the job looks like:
My best day on the job is when I see one of my clients, or "kids", working hard to overcome the challenges and obstacles they have faced in life and trying to apply my guidance to their lives. I love seeing a client excel and rise above after struggling to maintain eligibility or battling personal issues. I enjoy forming bonds with my THPs who are willing to allow EA and I into their lives for the time that they are with us.

What do you wish people knew about working in your field?
I wish that people understood that this field is more than what movies or documentaries show and that there are so many different facets and inner workings to social work. This job can be very emotionally and mentally draining, however it all makes it worthwhile and rewarding to make even an impact on another person's life. It is key to keep an open mind and heart because we don't always know what an individual has gone through or currently battling.

How do you practice self care?
I like to read books on my Kindle or binge watch TV shows. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, whether it is going on trips or watching cheesy reality TV shows. I recently bought a sarcastic Adult coloring book to help during this quarantine as well. A big way I have practiced self-care has also been having a separate work phone so that I can draw those boundaries in order to not overwhelm myself.

What's a hidden talent you have, or something about yourself that would surprise most people?
I am really good at pop-culture trivia and usually nail those categories on Jeopardy! Also, I'm the person that has to always watch any TV show or movies with subtitles on.

Anything else you'd like to add?
I just want to give a huge thank you for being selected! I have enjoyed my years at EA and can truly say I have grown professionally and personally in my time here. I am excited to start my next journey as an MSW grad student while still working at EA. I appreciate all the support and love from my Tracy office and to the coworkers who have become great friends to me!