Summer House worker wins essay contest
Prepared essay on why people work in the social services field
An employee for Summer House, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities, has won an essay contest about why people are working in the field of social services.
Macey Lange, won the contest, according to Julie C. Hunter, administrative assistant for Summer House. Lange works in the organization’s Supported Living Services program.
“Macey is interested in going to nursing school next year and shared in her essay ( on) the impact the Summer House has had on her,” noted Hunter, who also thanked all of those people who participated in submitting a 400word essay.
“Each entry was so heartfelt, honest, and insightful,” Hunter stated. “Every word that was shared had such an impact on the judges. It was such a humbling experience to hear such personal stories of what brought everyone to the social service field.
“As one contestant shared this beautiful quote: ‘ We all have a calling in life, and we all have a place we belong; if you can find your calling and find where you belong, you’ll truly be blessed with contentment and purpose, my love.’”
Summer House is based in Yolo County and has two, 12- bed adult residential care facilities located in Woodland and Davis. It also has an independent living program and a supported living services program where individuals live in their own homes.
Hunter said the contest presented a challenge because “being a care partner or a frontline worker during this pandemic has come with some challenges.”
“Our team at Summer House has rallied together,” Hunter noted. “Connection is critical for individuals in our programs and our team members have made sure this was not lost. It has been quite a humbling experience seeing the enthusiasm and dedication that has gone into keeping our clients not only safe but active during this time. The motto for us right now is, making a difference when it matters most!”
The essay guidelines were to make sure team members did not go over 400 words, maintain client confidentiality, and were original works. The top winning entries received Amazon gift cards and will be featured on our Summer House blog and social media platforms.
Hunter said future essay contests are planned on different topics.
Macey Lange’s Essay: “When beginning my time here with Summer House, I had no clue how much I would learn both about myself and about the people I work alongside with. As a pre- nursing student, I searched for opportunities that would provide me with direct healthcare interactions and was referred to Summer House by a close friend. What I found from working here has been so much more than what I expected, and I am extremely grateful that I have been granted this experience!
“The most important things I have learned from working with my clients, has been their perspectives on life, along with what makes life purposeful and fulfilling. Before starting with Summer House, my point of view on what would make my life meaningful was of success, whether that be graduating at the top of my class in college, getting into the best nursing school, making money, or seeking the approval of my parents and peers. My clients see the world so much differently than I did, and working with them closely has allowed me to garner a lot of their insight. They have shown me that life isn’t just about “being successful”, rather, what makes life meaningful is the people you surround yourself with and the time you spend with them. Both of my clients place a huge amount of importance on their families, friends, staff, and others in their circles of support. Over time, I realized just how important even I, a new staff member, became to them and realized just how much my perception of life needed to change.
“I will not lie and say that part of me still craves success, especially around the time of the release of nursing school admission results. However, my clients have shown me how to integrate this need for success with reasons for why this success is important in the grand scheme of things. Becoming a good nurse will ultimately allow me to aid in the care of a population in my community, something that is ultimately more important than getting the title of RN in the first place. It is going to be the people I meet and the quality time I spend with them that will matter most, an invaluable lesson I have learned from the wonderful folks of Summer House.”