A year ago, I never would have guessed that I would be working at a retirement center. I used to be very terrified of elderly individuals, sounds weird I know, but I always thought if I spoke to them I was going to upset them and I just stayed far away. Nothing could have prepared me for the impact those individuals have left on me.

You begin to know them all personally and understand why they are the way that they are. Each person has their own life story, all these years of memories that make them unique. Nothing is better than just sitting down with a resident and letting them tell you about their life, all the events that complete their life story.

In my experience, there is nobody better to hype you up than an elderly resident. They will always tell you how nice you look, how sweet you are, how much they adore you, etc. Sure they will have days where they are on the grumpier side, but overall they are some of the nicest people you will ever be around.

Never is the job boring either, there will always be something that keeps you on your toes. A resident I work with loves to pretend to have heart attacks and blackout when we talk to her just because she thinks it's funny. No, it is not funny when she does it, it can scare the daylights out of anyone, but the little giggle she has after you tell her to stop is what will make you smile anyways.

You create bonds with some of these residents that are just incredible. The hard part with that is that we know they are going to pass away and we are going to be heartbroken when they're gone. I have become very attached to one of my residents to the point where she calls herself my grandma. Every morning after breakfast I take her for a walk and tuck her into bed for her nap before I go finish my work, and honestly it is my favorite part of the day. She knows that every Saturday we have a nail date where I will paint her nails and she will tell me stories from her childhood.

Its crazy that after a short period of time working with these people you even begin to know their little habits. What they like and don't like, what they will choose to eat for each meal, what activities they will go to and won't go to, etc. And in turn it makes them so happy to know someone cares enough to know those little things about them. Not only is it nice for them but it is fulfilling for you to see them light up when you get something for them that they wanted without them even having to ask.

I would encourage anyone to take on a career in this field at one point in their lives. Experience the reward of working with people who have a whole lifetime of stories to share with you.