Jahoda

As part of the Eastern and Central European School Program, we have an opportunity to search out internships and volunteer work. I knew from the start that I wanted to learn more about social work programs in CR, specifically geriatrics, but was told by the program coordinator that that would be very difficult to do. Gerontology programs are rare in much of Eastern Europe due to most elderly being under the care of their family. So, I have received an internship at something a little out of my field. Quite alright with me. After all, one of my best experiences was at the Domestic Violence Shelter and that is not within my "planned" field either. Who knows where this will take me.
For the next few months, I will be working at Jahoda, an after-school center for troubled teens from a financially disadvantaged area of Prague. 
While this new experience excites me to no end, my first day was more than intimidating. It was down-right nerveracking.

Place aside the fact that I am working with a group I have no experience with..I don't speak their language either..
The three Jahoda employees that I am working with all speak English, but many of the kids speak minimal English since their school systems do not push them to learn another language. With that said, one of two things will happen. A. It will encourage me to speak more Czech and become immersed in the language, while I can help the kids learn English that have a desire to learn, or B. It will fail..epically. 

But despite this seemingly monstrous barrier, I am determined that this will be a great experience. And if not..well then I only have to stick it out for a few months. After all, even if I'm horribly out of my element, who knows what I'll learn along the way. These months are supposed to encourage personal growth as well as academic. What better way than to throw someone out of their comfort zone? I can study personal dynamics out of a book as long as I want, but it will be these experiences that will make me the social worker that I someday hope to be.