Although I was nervous, and not quite sure what to expect, the first day at my internship at Cedars Art and Textile Center went extremely well. I arrived after lunchtime on a Friday, and went to the headquarters to sign myself in. Every Friday I work in the Senior Center and every Wednesday I work in the garden. So on my first day I arrived in the senior center as they were starting an arts and crafts project about weaving. I walked in and all of the clients immediately jumped up and remembered me from when I came on the day of my interview and toured. They are all so friendly and welcoming which made the day really easy and fun. I started working with a few individuals and together we weaved. At first, since I wasn’t used to being around so many people with developmental disabilities it was hard at times to understand what they were saying. I found myself asking them to repeat themselves multiple times or just nodding and pretending I understood what they said.
Next I went outside to the group that was working with the animals that day. Together we groomed the bunnies, and worked on their social skills like talking about their plans for the weekend and how there weeks had gone so far. Then, I went back inside to join the Senior’s with a game of Wii bowling. To my surprise, they were all incredibly good, and had the basic motion of bowling down to a tee. They all got so excited when they got a strike or a spare, and would jump up and down for me when I did good.
Finally, it was time for them to get on their vans to return to their living headquarters in San Anselmo. We gave them tea and cookies as they waited and made sure they all said thank you when they received them. Then we checked off everyone to make sure they were all accounted for. After we sent them on their way, I returned to the main headquarters to sign back out, and I too was on my way.
Overall, I had a wonderful first day. Although at times I wasn’t quite sure what to do or how to react, I learned to think on my feet and be creative. Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming, and I am looking forward to the rest of the year at Cedars Art and Textile Center.
