Student Reflection: An anonymous letter to Summit staff
Letter to Staff at Summit – written 2023
Dear Guide,
Similar to my goodbye letter I have no clue where the hell to start. So I’ll start with my word: impact: the effect or influence of one person, thing, or action, on another. A medium to measure impact one has made on others ceases to exist, yet seemingly it is right in front of our faces. Spoiler alert, it’s us, the kids. Being a staff member in a treatment facility is one of the most unique jobs in the world. The task of being responsible for the most difficult to take care of kids, and then having to help them improve upon themselves, is not one to be taken lightly. You are quite literally doing god’s work. Over the past 15 weeks I have had some of the most impactful, inspirational, and insightful conversations with guides. Ranging from a short check-in that turned into an hour long venting space, to a 2 hour philosophical conversation while everyone else in the van was asleep. I have consistently improved based on the support you provide. I cannot speak for others but it is that support that helps motivate me to do better, to be better. I will be forever thankful for that.
The community that makes up Summit is defined by it’s leaders, both students and staff. While there is a disparate amount of power between the two, they each play an equal role in the process. I cannot put my feelings into words in regards to everyone here. There’s just something about this place. I love every part of this community, and it starts at the top with all of you. Being able to work with you has been an honor. The experience you all provided for me is why this isn’t a goodbye, it’s a “see you later.” Today I will be leaving as a student and next time I return it will be as a staff. I want to provide the same experience to others that you provided for me, the experience of a lifetime. I hope to reconnect with each and everyone of you somewhere down the road. Thank you for your service, thank you for making me feel comfortable to be myself, thank you for caring about me, thank you for helping me up when I fell, thank you for changing my life, thank you for everything. I wish you a life filled with success, good health, and bountiful joy.
–Anonymous
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