My artifact is an award from my first week as a camp counselor. The award is “counselor of the week.” The award is chosen by older counselors who pick one staff member they think is doing an awesome job. Receiveing this award was super special for many reasons. First, it was my first ever week as a counselor so having someone tell me right off the bat I was doing a good job was super reassuring and made me confident the rest of the summer. Second, I had had a really tough week. I had multiple sicks campers and I was even a bit homesick myself. Recognition for the hard work I had put in all week made me feel really good.

What I learned from receiving this camp this particular summer is that hard work earns respect. When my boss and even other counselors noticed the hard work I was putting in, they gave me more leadership positions within the camp. I was able to help lead camp fire activities and delegate jobs during clean up. Moving forward, I will continue to work hard and even put in a bit extra to any job I have.