Before starting this job, I never realized how much of a difference a CNA really could make. I understood the job duties and importance of nursing assistants, but I did not understand that they could make such an important impact on the lives of patients. Being aware that I could make a significant difference became a huge motivator for me. Every single shift, I put my whole effort forward to give the patients a reason to smile. One of the most rewarding days as a CNA came when I had a patient who had recently started showing signs of expressive aphasia. None of us could figure out how to communicate with him, including his family members. I went home and researched as much as I could about this condition. During the following shift, I went …show more content…
I must admit that I was slightly nervous about rising to the duties involved with being a leader to people I had not even met before. My nerves diminished quickly as I learned how to coach and set positive examples. This is when I learned that going out of my comfort zone leads to my most rewarding and maturing undertakings. While it was important to me that I set a positive example, I believe that I have learned as much from the athletes as I have taught them. One of these lessons is that grit, or what I call a "growth mindset," is one of the most valuable tools for success in life. Many of these athletes are born with disabilities that threaten their health, lifespan, and ability to adapt to society. Additionally, they face adversity posed by prejudiced beliefs from those who do not understand intellectual disability. It would be understandable to be pessimistic due to these circumstances, but instead, the athletes demonstrate the best perspective I have encountered in a group. Rather than resent the cards they've been dealt, they celebrate their disabilities as the quality that makes them unique. They have taught me to control the things that I can: my effort and