CommunityWorking at a food store is a common first job for high school students. But Julie Zhang, a sophomore at WHHS, now works to make a difference for elderly people as an assistant nurse in a nearby Elderly Center. 

Starting her sophomore year, Zhang landed a job as being an assistant nurse at the Lake View Rehabilitation and Care Center. Since she has school every weekday, she works on the weekends. On Sundays and Saturdays she works from 9 am to 5 pm, with only a 45-minute lunch break starting at 12 pm. Zhang loves being with the elderly, and enjoying listening to their stories about their lives. “They are all such sweet people. It makes me so happy to see that showing up to work puts a smile on their faces,” said Zhang.

As an official employee, she is given an official uniform and salary. The uniform is a red polo shirt, which is provided by the center. Zhang is also able to wear black pants of her own choice.Additionally, the salary is nine dollars an hour. “I work here not for the money but to be able to learn more about nursing as a whole. I’m happy to be able to have a chance to work here and to help elderly men and women who don’t have families visit or have no family it all,” said Zhang. 

Zhang follows an activity schedule that the men and women at the care center partake in. In the morning, Zhang and other assistants wake up the residents around 9:30 am to have breakfast in the dining room. After having coffee and biscuits, the residents are taken to their daily physical activities. “There is something for all the disabled to do. We have arm and hand games, such as Wii, for the elderly in wheelchairs. For the ‘non-cognitive’ elderly we have coloring and sensory objects for them to see and feel, and other things for the other residents,” said Zhang. Lunch is given at 12 pm, where Zhang and other workers spoon feed the residents. After lunch, she is then given her lunch break for 45 minutes. Once break ends, Zhang assists the elderly with afternoon games such as 2:30 bowling or jewelry making. “We serve dinner early, around 5 pm, because many of the patients or residents go to bed early,” said Zhang. Her work day ends a little after 5 pm. 

Zhang already shows the traits of a hard working, independent, and caring nurse. She sacrifices her weekends to put a smile on the folk at the care center. “I enjoy my job so much and I plan on working here for the rest of my high school career,” said Zhang.