Teen Talk 
The Summer That Changed Everything
By Stephanie Courtois
The anticipation escalated in each and every one of them. Only a few more seconds until the clock strikes 2:50p.m. Suddenly, a roar of screams erupt in unison, school is out for the summer.
All the way back to kindergarten, the summer months were the most memorable ones. Staying up late, getting up even later, hanging out with friends, and especially summer camp. Camp is one part of my life that I never got to experience as a youngster. Many of my friends would leave for the 2 sizzling hot months to enjoy all that this far away play land could offer them. At times, I wish that I could have had as much fun in the sun as they did, but I still was content with my summers at home.
One of the most unsurpassed ways of getting that envied summer fun, was not by attending the camp, but by working there. The camp counselor, the person who all the campers looked up to and craved attention from. I was thrilled about this opportunity, and applied as soon as the applications were released. I wanted this more than anything. I sought after the swimming pool, the laughter, the arts and crafts, and the paycheck.
On top of having the most rewarding employment that a teenager could ask for, I got paid for it. I was placed with the 6 year old girls group my first year on the job. I adored the kids and became attached instantaneously. The most challenging aspect of that year was that I worked closely with a girl who was diagnosed with autism. It was extremely difficult for me to adjust to the way she reacted to different environments and people. I attained a great deal of patience and understanding that summer. In the beginning, I was a tad disappointed because this is not what I thought my job would consist of. It didn’t take long before that little girl grew on me and we bonded. I felt proud to know that I got to be a part of her summer experience.
My junior summer was a remarkable one. Every adolescent should have this opportunity. It teaches responsibility, respect, punctuality and on the field experience. An initial job such as this for a teenager is a stepping stone towards become a mature adult.
I benefited from this experience immensely, and I am returning to work for the same camp this coming summer. It changed me, and I have to say that it was for the better.
Stephanie Courtois is a junior at Wellington High School. She is involved in tae kwon do, French, National and Chemistry Honor Societies, and is the news editor for the school newspaper. She loves journalism and plans to continue working for a magazine in her career after college.