I was a camp counselor for a girl with special needs this past summer, and that experience completely changed my life. Clara (what I will call her for the essay) was on the autism spectrum, and she was the most intelligent, creative, sweet, enthusiastic middle-schooler I have ever met. She came from a difficult family background and attended the summer camp with her aunt and younger brother. She needed more one-on-one attention and tended to get overstimulated, so I was basically her buddy for the week. We would go on walks and spend a lot of time just the two of us. I would also encourage Clara to try out some group activities, which she happily did. My role was to help Clara, but if I'm being honest, it was a two way street. Clara also taught me a lot. Although I would already say I was a kind person before her, she taught me a lot about kindness, compassion, and serving others. She saw the world in an entirely different light than I did, and it made a lasting impact. She brought so much joy into my life and I think about and pray for her and her family often. Her aunt came to me at the end of the week and said Clara's face would light up every time I walked into a room. Clara had been lonely before camp, and her one goal was to make at least one friend and to feel included in camp activities. Clara's aunt expressed extreme gratitude because I had helped her niece feel included with the group and valued as an individual (something she didn't think was possible). Along with Clara, I was also assigned to help a nonverbal camper who also struggled with some mobility issues. Similar situation: she was one of the most joyful people I have ever met, and I happily learned much from spending time with this other camper. Now, you might be thinking: what does this have to do with a specific career field? I have to be honest, I'm not entirely sure yet. My experience at this summer camp shifted my career path significantly, and now I have a world of options to consider. Although I'm not sure what I want to do, working with an individual(s) with special needs is certainly an option I'm highly considering. I have a great love for Clara as well as the other people in my life with special needs. I plan on intentionally looking out for these individuals in the future because they are such blessings, as they always have been. If this scholarship must go to someone who is 100% sure they will go into the special education field, then I understand completely -- this should go to someone who deserves it the most. However, I am in financial need like many other students, and this application did show up on my "matched scholarships" list, so I wanted to at least put my thoughts into this. It truly has been such a blessing to work with these special needs individuals in my life, and I hope to serve more people in this area in the future to some extent.