Mentally Retarded People Are Being Executed in the United States

Recently, I started college. Due to the cost of classes, books, day care for my four old daughter, a car payment, and other bills, I found myself financially strapped. I decided that I needed some extra income in order to get by. I applied for a part time job at a local organization that deals primarily with the care and social interaction of the developmentally disabled.

Currently I work in a group home setting with people that have varying degrees of developmental disabilities. Many of the clients' conditions range from mild mental retardation to severe cerebral palsy. The consumers in the group home setting are from many different lifestyles and backgrounds, from mental institutions to abusive homes. I wasn't sure that I could handle the type of care and support that these people needed. Therefore, I went into it with an open mind and an open heart. I find that everyday I work with these people; I enjoy it increasingly. Those who are mentally disabled tend to wear their emotions on their sleeves. They are usually eager to make friends with others. If they are unhappy about their surroundings, whether it is another person, an object out of place or anything else, they will often react. Some of them act out physically, at times displaying aggression toward an object or another person.

After working with these people, I have gotten to know how each of them acts and reacts in different situations and most, if not all aggression is prevented. I have had a very positive experience so far and I feel as if I have learned so much already from the people I care for. I have more patience than ever before, and I feel that I look at all people differently now - looking past the exterior and respect the feelings of everyone I meet.