ARIELLE

It's always hard to figure out who I should start off with first-- the youngest (aka the most recent addition) or the oldest. I figure that Arielle should win by default almost, so here goes.

Arielle turned 19 this past July 2nd. I can't believe that 19 yrs have passed by so quickly. She is EXACTLY half my age at this stage in life. Hard to imagine that I was a 19 yr old with a baby already, at her age. Weird thought.


She is currently in the midst of her year long furlow from school. She graduated last June (2007) from our Home School as she is now trying to decide what she would like to attend college for and what area she wants to study. Just very recently she's decided that she would like to go for Occupational Therapy, and has hopes to start this coming January (2009) and would like to try for Ramapo College since it's local. She would then most likely transfer after 2 yrs over to Montclaire State University to do their 5 yr plan for OT.

I'm so thrilled, I must admit, that she's going for OT. Knowing the huge statistics for Neurologically damaged children in the U.S. (and abroad), and knowing that they are only continuing to rise, this is a field where I know she will be needed. Not only will this guarantee a great job security in the future, but it is also something that is so desperately needed and she's the right type of person to fill the spot. She's intelligent, caring, thoughtful, gentle, understanding, energetic, and motivated-- all necessary for being an OT. I know she's going to be amazing at this. It's also a great career choice where she would be able to be self employed and cater a schedule around future family needs.

For the last 10 mos. or so, she's been working at our local Applebees. She started out as a Hostess and after waiting the required 6 mos, worked herself into the Server position, and also works Car-Side. She loves to work where she's constantly moving and loves the busy-ness of the place, but she's realizing that the money's not too great unless she's given a Serving shift where she can pick up tips. Other than that, the money isn't too great at all, and she's realized that she could have made more money this summer being my helper since we paid our nanny 2-3x more than she's making!! She recently went to a training seminar where she was taught to train others as they are hired, so this is a good "extra" for her. The managers there adore her, as do all the workers (who wouldn't?) and they recently filled out a report that gave her an Outstanding status in all that she does. Last month she was the Employee of the month. She's a great worker and we're so proud of her amazing work ethics that will take her many places in her lifetime.