Most people get really excited when they see a dog walking down the street, and immediately run towards it. I am the same way except with babies and little kids. Every since I could remember I have been in love with babies and children, and all the cute things they do. They are so young and impressionable, and see the world in such an imaginative way.
This past January, I got extremely sick and was dealing with the most intense anxiety I had every experienced. I could barely get out of bed, and I would spend my days alone in my room with my head under the covers, and my tears soaking my pillow. At the end of the month, I knew I would have to build up the courage and head back to school, but I had no idea I would be starting a job that would change my life forever. I became a teacher aide for a program called "Tiny Talkers" at a learning center in Santa Rosa, Calif. Every Tuesday and Thursday. I get to work with two-year-olds who have social issues and are delayed in speech. Alongside a speech pathologist, I help these beautiful children improve their speech and It's been incredible to watch all my two-year-olds progress.
But I am here to tell you about one little girl, in particular, who stole my heart and even helped me in my healing process.
When I first started this job, many of the children were hesitant towards me at first because I was brand new. This one girl, however, particularly disliked me. Every time I approached her, she would scream no and run to the head teacher. This went on for two months with no signs of improving. I tried everything. I tried to make her laugh, I tried puppets, and I even tried funny voices and faces, but nothing worked. I was so upset that I couldn't make this little girl comfortable with me being in the room.
One rainy day in April, everything changed. I was finishing setting up for them and I was by myself in the playroom sitting in front of a plastic bin of animal toys. The little girl was the first to arrive, and I knew the head teacher was running late so I took a deep breath and asked her if she wanted to come play with me. Expecting a flat out no, she turned around, said goodbye to her mom, and slowly walked over to me. She then bent down to me and sat in my lap. Tears filled my eyes as I wrapped my arms around her. I felt so accomplished, and I was so happy to hold her and help with her path to better speech. Every day, since, then I am greeted by hugs and kisses from her and instead of screaming no she screams "Miss Ariana!"
This little girl taught me how to be patient, and how to never give up. I was in such a bad place mentally and these children were the reason I got up every morning and still are. They mean everything to me and even though they don't understand how much they have helped me, I get all the thanks I need through their hugs and laughter.
