Editor's Note: Joan Smith recently completed the Adult Diploma Program at the Community Learning Center (CLC) in Cambridge. She gave us permission to publish her essay, written as one of the program requirements. Thanks to Bob Aimo of the CLC for providing this essay from his student.

It is such a pleasure for me to work at Favorite Nurses. I have been working there as a home health aide for over nine years. The experiences and wonderful unique personalities made my job easier and more enjoyable. I also have learned an invaluable lesson, and that is never believe in everything that you hear. I used to hear from other home health aides about things such as racism and black aides being mistreated or disrespected. I have never encountered such a thing. I have always been treated fairly and kindly. I do believe it is up to you to make your clients feel safe and secure and for them to believe that you are capable of taking care of them.

I remember going on my first job assignment. My job was to take care of Mrs. J. It entailed bathing her, preparing her breakfast, feeding her, and doing light housekeeping. I was really shaky, because I had heard about so many bad experiences from other home health aides. I sat there waiting in the living room, and then her husband Mr. J came over and told me how to take care of his wife. After the day was over, we were so comfortable with each other that not only did I become her home health aide, but a great friend of the family. After taking care of her for six years, she passed away due to cancer. For many years, I remained a friend of her husband, who was very nice to my children and me. He was a great listener and never judged me or the things I had to say. I had never known that Maine was so beautiful until he took the girls and me to Ogunquit Beach. He also took us to lunch. I remember once, people were staring at us, and I know it was because of our differences in race and age. Still with this kind of behavior, Mr. J was never afraid to be around us. On March 12 of last year, he had a horrific car accident. It was a very bad time for me because we loved him dearly.

My second job at Favorite Nurses was to take care of Mrs. S. Mrs. S's left leg had been amputated and she had survived a stroke. Her left side did not work at all, so her husband and I would have to do the things that she was incapable of doing. The S family was another great family. Mrs. S was very willing to do whatever it took to do things for herself. After a year passed, she one day said to me, "Joan, thank you for your encouraging, nurturing attitude." Mr. S had also said that he was very grateful that I had alleviated some of the pressure on him, that I was "meticulous" and that my "can do attitude" was welcoming. I never forgot those words. I still take those words of gratitude with me when working with my other clients. It meant so much to me to hear a client of mine say something so sweet and sincere. Although I don't work for them any longer, I still remain friends with them.

I am now working for Mrs. L. She has been diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis). The bottom half of her body is paralyzed and sometimes her hands collapse. I have to bathe, dress, and feed her in the mornings. In the afternoon, I go grocery shopping or do other errands for her. At dinnertime, I sometimes cook her a Jamaican dish, which she really enjoys. In the evenings right before bed, I help with her exercise and wash her up again to get ready for bed. Mrs. L is a very flexible and considerate client. In December when my father passed away, to my surprise, she purchased my tickets for Jamaica, for which I am forever grateful.

Working for Favorite Nurses has changed my whole perspective on how to care for people. I also realize that individuals are different and that I have to adjust to meet their every need in order for us to get along. I have learned that common stereotypes are not always true. It is how you portray yourself as a person. I am very lucky and blessed to work and have worked with such terrific, sincere people. Through this job, I am a better person and will always be there for people who are in need.

Joan Smith completed the Adult Diploma Program at the Cambridge Community Learning Center in 2003. She can be reached at: JAMASTIK96@aol.com.