I am nearing the 4th anniversary of being hired as a peer support specialist. In addition I am a student in the local community college studying in the Human Services Program. I have completed several internships through the college program. Here is what I have learned by working these years.

1. I need to have more challenge in my life because taking it easy bores me.

2. I have learned who to say what to and whom to ignore.

3. Staff meetings can be excruciating.

4. I have learned to prevent myself from saying the first thing that comes to mind.

5. Generally it's better to go to work than to stay home with minor upsets.

6. You need to have good boundaries between work and your life.

7. The more I did, the better I felt.

8. Working made me feel I had more to offer potential girl friends.

9.  I'm okay with being open about my past.

10. I like being able to help others who experienced problems similar to mine.