Last summer I took up the onerous job of being a caregiver for a home healthcare service. Although I found a different job for this summer, one that aligns more closely with what I'm actually interested in, I would never take back the hard work and dedication that I put into being a caretaker last year because I learned so much and genuinely feel like I made in a difference in the lives of the people whom I helped. At least I know they made a difference in mine.

Being a caregiver helped me overcome simple fears that I've had for years. For instance, I've always hated driving in areas I'm unfamiliar with, but going to a different home every day in neighborhoods that could be up to 50 minutes away from my house made me much more comfortable navigating new places, especially during construction season. I also got over my fear of blood, or have at least learned how to cope with it, by taking the blood sugar of some of the people that I helped take care of.

I was taught lessons that I never would have imagined to learn from a summer job. For the first time in my life I had to cook and I didn't even get to enjoy the food I made. But cooking was just a simple skill I learned. I also realized the importance of patience, and working with ninety-year-olds helped me gain a better perspective on life.

But what last summer truly taught me was the value of the people who spend their time giving back to those who need hands-on help. Caretakers, nurses, moms, doctors, dads, counselors, you name it: they're all life savers and what they do isn't easy.

After working nine hour shifts, traveling to different houses throughout the day and helping people do the simplest tasks, by the time I got home I felt proud but exhausted. I rarely had the energy to take care of myself because I had been so focused on others all day. I also realized that a "bad day" couldn't exist for me because my job required diligence and compassion at every moment.

And my job was easy compared to doctors who go to school for years to work in the medical field or stay-at-home moms who spend every waking second watching their children. I'm so grateful for my experiences as a caretaker, but I accept the fact that that type of work isn't for me. Now more than ever I'm endlessly appreciative of those who spend every single day helping people. Not everyone can do the work that a caregiver does.