I ended my first year of college and entered summer without a single clue of what I would be doing this summer. I knew I needed to get a job, but I thought I would simply land a meaningless position at some restaurant. Thanks to time and fate, however, I happened to come across a position that was perfect for me. The Family Resource Network of New Jersey, which umbrellas Autism Family Services, The Epilepsy Foundation, Caregivers of NJ, and The Family Support Center, had an open position.

The network needed assistance with special event coordination, which allows us to help raise money for individuals and those affected by people who have chronic conditions or developmental disabilities. As I have been aiding in special event planning for the past several weeks, every day I wake up I know I am going into work to make a difference in the lives of struggling families simply by organizing a sanctioned day of enjoyment.

I have a special place in my heart for people who struggle with diseases and disabilities because it personally hits home for me. I may not be directly interacting with this community on a daily basis, but my work in the office is making a difference in other’s lives in some way.

I know that every person I collaborate with in our workplace has similar hopes and goals as myself. We all want to better the lives of individuals who otherwise cannot live what we call a “normal life”. We comfort the worried parents and guardians of disabled individuals, we provide safe and comfortable places where they can be themselves and embrace their differences, and we spread awareness through education.

It is true when people say you never really understand something until you witness it yourself. For me, I never truly understood the impact an organization could have on so many families until now. I am fortunate enough to be able to connect and converse with families about their medical, social, and financial struggles. However, all of them have such positive things to say about how our organization has impacted the lives of their loved ones. Whether it’s a day at the beach where individuals with disabilities of all spectrums come together and enjoy some relaxation or a sleep-away camp where younger individuals with disabilities can connect for a whole week, WE are making a difference.

I am forever grateful for the times attendees of our events have approached me and simply said “thank you”. But, I always want to be the one to say thank you to them. When I am able to get out of the office for a special event and actually see the people I am advocating for every day, I feel so inspired and humbled. I am reminded that on the days I wake up and complain about having to go to class or my dad not making the meal I wanted for dinner, I am being ridiculous because let’s face it, there are much worse things that I could have to face. I want to thank these parents/guardians/caregivers for being such patient and compassionate people because I admire the obstacles they overcome every day. But most of all I want to thank the individuals with a disease, condition, or disability for showing me that there is always a reason to smile no matter what and all we can really do is make the most of what we have.

One thing I will never forget was something that happened to me at work the other day. I was on the phone with a woman from another company asking for their support with one of our upcoming fundraising events. This woman asked me to describe what we do at the organization and her response to me was, “Now, that is just wonderful. You guys really take into consideration the lives of others who many other people tend to forget about”. This was absolutely eye opening and touching to hear. Simple comments like those remind me why I no longer complain about waking up early for work in the morning.

With all of that being said, I challenge you to not forget about the other populations and communities that reside around you. Indulge yourself into a different environment to gain some perspective and appreciation for those who live completely different lives. Finally, make your summer job more than just a summer job because it is amazing how much you can gain within a few short months. I promise this will help you see life through a whole new lens.