My First Job

"I got my first job while i was in high school. I worked for a summer on Long Island at Lido Beach as a lifeguard at Camp ANCHOR, which stands for Answering the Needs of Children with Handicaps through Organized Recreation. It was an absolutely phenomenal experience.

"I was a trained pool lifeguard. There were so many different wonderful kids there. Some had cerebral palsy or Down syndrome; it was just a diverse array of handicapped, wonderful, lovable kids.

"As I worked with the kids I got to see them advance and develop, and really blossom. The experience had a powerful impact on me.

"One of the things I remember most vividly is the kids with cerebral palsy in the water. They had so much difficulty moving on land, but suddenly gained a great deal of ability to work with their limbs while in the pool. You could really see on their faces the freedom they were experiencing in the water.

"One thing it taught me at such a young age was that rather than looking at the disability, you should be looking for the potential in people. At times I still think back to those kids. Working at the camp helped me learn never to judge a person by their outward appearance or by someone else's opinion.

"When I reflect back it seems a young age to be a lifeguard. It was a lot of responsibility. I can remember being very vigilant and very concerned about the kids. Of course their therapists were right there, but anything could happen. Fortunately the summer went by without mishap.

"At the ripe old age of 17 that job really had a great impact on me, and it's where I got my compassion for people with special needs."