There is much to be excited about with my upcoming graduation. No more classes, no more tests. No more daily commuting between DC, MD, and VA.

As happy as I am to see all of that end, I am sad. This year I have been interning with kids. Not little kids, but 12-16 year olds—adolescents. I went into this internship with little experience in working with kids. CUA gave me high hopes of the work I could do to change their lives. My only hope is that they would remember my name by the end of the year.

Well, it seems they knew my name and more. For my last day at each program I worked with, I surprised the kids with my home baked cupcakes and brownies. It was my way to say good-bye and to thank them for all they had given to me over the year. I expected nothing in return, but was surprised with cards, letters, and songs from the kids. And hugs. Tons of hugs. My eyes filled with tears and my heart ached as I walked away. I didn’t know I cared so much.

People tell me that social work sounds so hard. Working with the kids isn’t hard. Saying good bye is.

“Social work? I don’t know how you do it.” Days like this I don’t know either.