Inspiring to Be

Journals of a CAN Summer Student

By Stephanie Hauck

The search and struggle for summer employment, especially in our current economy has proved to be quite difficult for students. Being a student myself, I completely understand the strain and frustration the so called “job hunt” can be. However, unlike many other students I searched for a job far beyond just the need for money. Instead I searched for a job that would be both beneficial to my education and emotionally rewarding, criteria not easily met. The day I walked into the Canucks Autism Network for an interview I knew I had found something sparking far beyond the typical organization. I had found a network of people so on fire with growth, establishment and enthusiasm that the entire Vancouver Fire Department could not extinguish them.  A few anticipating days later, I discovered I too would be engulfed in the growing success of the Canucks Autism Network.

It did not take long for me to experience the hype, the joy and the faces of the lives the organization changes on a day to day basis. Entering this position, I knew only the experience through books in relation to autism. However, now I understand that the uniqueness of each family living with a child on the spectrum.  I also realize that the need to provide assistance to these families will only continue to grow. Moreover, and possibly the most important thing I’ve learned thus far,  is that apart from the uniqueness of each family there is also a component of interconnectedness, that intertwines each family together. By reaching out to one family, eventually with time and dedication one can expand to change the lives of many.

Stay tuned…

I will be blogging once a week, throughout my term depicting my experience working at the Canucks Autism Network as their summer student.