Franciska Bakken
[Editor's Note] Last summer, Ms. Bakken had the opportunity to intern at Woodland Terrace, an assisted living facility in Bridgman, Michigan. In the Spring issue of the departmental newsletter, Communicator, she wrote "I've never worked in an elderly care home before and that experience taught me how to work with them, how to utilize their talents, and how I can be a better person myself." Recently she was able to update us how that experience has influenced her.
I just recently graduated with my Master's degree in Communication with an emphasis in Gerontology, last May. The evening before graduation day, Doug Wamack, Andrews University Alumni, (who also attended the Alzheimer's Association Fundraiser I co-hosted last December at Andrews University), and Executive Director at South Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Community, called me and told me that there was a position available that I would be perfect for and that I should meet with him for an interview, Monday, the day after graduation.
I was ecstatic! I wasn't even looking, or asking (God, yet!), and here HE was, answering my prayer, not yet prayed! I was offered the position of Admissions and Marketing coordinator, accepted Thursday, and started my first career the following Monday. This was only a week and a day after graduation.
The story doesn't stop there, though. About a month into the career, I was offered a Community Service Representative position for the same facilities and accepted.
As the Director of Marketing, I'm now able to not only enjoy working for the elderly, but also for the community and the seniors in my community. When I'm in the office, nothing makes me more happy then to have a resident sit in my office and keep me company, looking over what I'm working on, making sure that letters are properly worded, while at the same time, giving them a sense of worth and making sure that they know that they are still needed.
Death and dying is still hard for me, while at the same time, having that chance to get to know the residents and their family members and who these people are, reinforces my belief that everything happens for a reason, and that meeting these people makes a difference.
The valuable lessons I learned at Woodland Terrace, last summer, such as patience, value of the residents, and respect, continue to be valuable. I've taken the time to add a bit of blush to a resident's cheeks to make her feel absolutely beautiful, I've taken the time to find a resident who never leaves her room, to come help me stuff envelopes in my office, adding much needed value to her life, and I've taken the time to respect my elders, giving them 'real' conversations, a listening ear, and bringing them back by singing those old hymns they (and all the rest of us) love so much, i.e. The Old Rugged Cross.
God led me to this career, knowing that not just anyone has that special knack for working with the elderly and in a nursing home. I know I was meant to be at Countryside and South Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Communities and meant to make a difference. I'm thankful for all I've learned at Walla Walla College, Andrews University, and from professors and advisors (Dr. Steyn, Dr. Ponniah, Dr. Harris, Dr. Bauer, and Jan Wrenn) that have taught me crucial principles, that I've already started utilizing in my career.