Teya Kerns

Responsibilities

For the summer, I worked at a group home in Nashville. I helped with general supervision in a house with eight girls. I also helped complete paperwork and send out nightly emails. I assisted with outings, planning activities, and facilitating lessons for the girls.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment this summer would be the connections I formed with the kids. I worked at a home with eight girls and built a unique relationship with each. With these relationships, I could help them process their thoughts and feelings and provide support when they were struggling.

Learning experience

One lesson I learned was the importance of relationship building. Working with youth with behavioral issues, you will be able to reach them once you've put effort into your relationship and given them a reason to trust and respect you.

What advice would you give?

Make an effort to get to know the staff you are working with. Especially working with youth, it helps everyone to understand each other and be on the same page. You also can learn more and better understand what a job there would look like if you get to know the staff better.