I got to Hewer through a friend who was helping me find a job. Her words were: "Maryam, you would be a good fit for this job." So I sent an email and a resume. I did not expect the company to get back to me. But it did, and they replied fairly quickly, which really pleasantly surprised me. We scheduled an interview, where they introduced me to the overall work of a caregiver. Based on what I learned, I was afraid they might not take me at all. But the interview went better than I expected. I remember the head nurse saying, "Think it through properly before you decide to enter this." The next day I said I was taking the job. I had no clue at all what the work of a caregiver, specifically a personal assistant, involved. So I gradually started learning over time until I had learned it. Of course, I am still learning some things. But I try to make sure my clients are satisfied with me.
I have been at the company for almost a year and so far I have not regretted having this job, that I accepted it. Sometimes the assistance is demanding and difficult, but sometimes it is also easy. I love my clients. And I really look forward to when I get to care for children.
About a month after I started, my manager asked whether I could take care of an autistic boy with disabilities who was also hyperactive. I hesitated, but in the end I agreed. If I am honest, I was worried that his parents would not accept me. The manager called them and they agreed. So I went to meet them and talk about how they imagine it, what they expect from me. I remember that the first meeting was pleasant, but I was still scared. At the same time, I was happy that I would be responsible for the little boy. His mom welcomed me warmly and we started talking about her son Mark. When I saw him, I was happy. But I did not know that he does not communicate, that he is severely disabled—an autistic child who has his own world. I simply knew nothing about autism. I grew fond of Marek. I was looking forward to them and to the moments we would spend together. On the first day, Marek's mom introduced me at the special school that Marek attends. The second time, it was just the two of us—me and Marek. Marek has his own world. Although he does perceive the real one, he does everything in his own way. He is hyperactive and can be exhausting. As if I had to take care of maybe ten children. Over time, I got used to everything, especially to Marek and he to me. And Marek's parents and I get along well and help each other. Marek has occasional alternating moods. He gets angry and starts scratching me, pounding anywhere he can, for example on the table. On the bus, he pounds the window. But on the other hand he can be golden, and sometimes he expresses his childlike affection with his mouth. Marek listens to me; he knows what he can and what he already cannot. He really likes to whistle, and it does not matter where we are, at home or outside. Over time I got used to being his personal assistant. I have a good relationship with his parents. I am happy and they are too; we meet in the middle. Assisting children with disabilities, especially when they are hyperactive, can be exhausting. But it can be handled, it takes time and a lot, a lot of patience.
I like my job and enjoy going to it, and I am happiest when I see clients who are satisfied and happy.
If you read my story and are wondering whether you should be a personal assistant or not, then simply try the job. Be very patient, because assistant work is especially very difficult at the beginning. But you can get used to this job and over time it will seem easy. And last but not least, you are paid for it. But the good feeling you will have from it is definitely worth it.
I wish you good luck, whatever your decision; and don't forget that we help others...
Best wishes!
Asistentka Maryam
With Maryam, we are very satisfied. It is clear from her that she enjoys her work and does it with love. I think that assisting with Marek is not only a source of income for her, but that she truly likes Marek. She tries to think of activities for him that he would enjoy and that would further develop him. Caring for Marek is not simple and Maryam handles it very well, always with a smile. We are very happy to have her. Marek's mother