Erika J.

Hello, My name is Benta Russell. I began my personal-care career with Synod Residential Service, in August 2013. I have always done personal-care work since I was a young girl. Growing up in Kenya, it was my responsibility to care for my family's elderly. Every day I would take care of my grandparents by fetching them water from the river, cooking their meals. I also did their laundry, cleaned their dishes, and house. One of the many things I have learned throughout the years is that it is very important to be patient and understanding when providing aid to an individual. All the people I have helped have had different strengths and weaknesses, and as the personal-aide, it was my responsibility to understand this in order to adapt to the individual's needs. What I enjoy most about being a caregiver is developing a relationship with the client. As the relationship grows it becomes more than a job and is like finding a new friend. This is important to me because it makes the work that much more enjoyable for both the client and myself. My greatest achievement so far was getting my degree from Washtenaw Community College. There were many days and nights when I wanted to throw my textbooks in the garbage and walk away from school, but I didn't do that. I stuck it through to the end and am very proud to have earned my degree.

Am kind, l respect people, l like helping elders and I treat them like my mother. What attracted me is I like elders. I enjoy giving elders company. Am proud of the way I treat elders t. I treat them like my mother