I am currently in grade 11 at Earl of March Secondary School. For my grade 11 co-op placement, I have chosen to volunteer in a community living classroom, where I work with adolescents with autism and other special needs. This placement requires me to: watch over the students, create crafts, read with them, support them in completing their work, help grade assignments and identify problem areas to focus on, accompany the students on field trips, provide life skills support (e.g.cooking, personal hygiene, and interpersonal communication), and provide direct support to the students to ensure a safe environment. Previous to this co-op placement, I have worked with children of all different abilities as a caregiver and coach. I have also received training on how to work effectively and safely in the work environment, including training on the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. This experience has educated me on how different brains work and how important it is to have support systems for individuals with special needs.While I pursue further experience and post-secondary education in the area of working with special needs individuals, I am very much enjoying my hostess job at Darcy McGee's!