Synchronized Skating Summer Update--Marisa Hutchinson
7/30/2009 12:00:00 AM | Synchronized Skating
Marisa Hutchinson - July 30, 2009
MARISA HUTCHINSON PHOTO GALLERY
Hey everyone! My summer has been flying by. I can't believe it's going to be time to go back to school in less than a month! I am spending my summer back in my hometown, Ann Arbor, Michigan. So far, it has been pretty low-key, filled with working, skating, and working out during the week. On some weekends, I have been visiting friends.
My summer job is both challenging and rewarding. This is the second summer that I have been the caregiver for a young woman who has physical, as well as mental impairments. On a typical day I might take her swimming, grocery shopping, fitness walking or to the park.
One of my goals is to help her be as independent as possible. This is done by having her complete simple everyday activities such as buckling her own seatbelt and washing her own hands. Some days she can become very frustrated and I have learned to be reassuring and calm in order to help her relax. Overall, the last two summers with her have taught me a lot and awakened an interest in possibly pursuing a career in helping children or young adults with special needs. This experience has made me realize how lucky my family and friends and I all are.
In June, I drove out to Chicago and met up with friends from Miami for a weekend to catch up and sightsee. It was really fun and a great start to the summer. A couple weeks after Chicago, I went down to Oxford for a weekend and spent time with friends there.
For the July 4 holiday, I invited some friends from the skating teams at Miami to join me and my family at our cottage on Lake Huron. It was really great because several of my friends were able to come. We had an awesome weekend hanging out on the beach, sailing, waterskiing and tubing. On the Fourth, we were entertained by firework displays up and down the beach. Of course, we ended every night with a bonfire and s'mores!
Two weeks ago, I spent time with my family in Northern Michigan on Lake Walloon. We have been going to a family camp there nearly every summer since I was a toddler. This year, we spent most of our days sailing and at night hung out at the cabin playing games with family friends. It is one of my favorite places to be because it is so peaceful and allows everyone to get away from their stressful lives at home.
During the last few weeks of my summer, I am really looking forward to heading to Miami the first week in August to be a team leader at the Synchronized Skating summer camp. I was a camper when I was younger and never imagined I would one day get to be a counselor.
In addition to my other activities, I am taking an online history class and hanging out with my friends in Ann Arbor who are home for the summer. In no time, I will be moving into my house in Oxford and the fall semester will start. Even though it has been a great summer, I am excited for school to start again!
This is a continuation in a series of updates from the Miami University synchronized skaters throughout the summer.
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