by Carrie

It was almost 6 years ago. I was a Rookie Part-timer, with the lack of experience that came with the title. I still remember my first DI lesson learned. It was a cold winter day, and the DI was packed with people trying to avoid the cold.

We were sitting in the Day Office before my shift. My supervisor at the time and I were talking about fear. He told me “you can’t show it, the moment you show it, by looking away or stepping back, that is the moment you’re going to get hit”.

Got it, stand your ground, don’t show fear, yep, understood, can do! The words playing in my head as I left the office to start my shift for the day.

I stood on the 2nd floor, trying to keep an eye on the overcrowded floor. Suddenly a call comes out on the radio “need assistance in section 5!”.

I run to the section without question. Just as I reach the section, I realize that I am face to face with a very angry, very large, very intoxicated man.

Remembering what my supervisor had told me, I didn’t back down, nor did I show fear. My brain was racing: I can’t back off, or it will show fear. Actually I can’t back off anyways, as it was packed on the floor and there was nowhere else to go, don’t look away, stand your ground…oh crap!!

He clenched his fist and raised it to hit me. Out of the crowed of people surrounding us, two male clients pushed the intoxicated male to the side just in time. Breaking his focus on me, and giving staff enough time to assist with the situation.

After this incident, I went straight to the Day Office. Walked up to my supervisor, gave him the look of death, and ask if he had any more helpful advice. I told him I didn’t show fear, and the client almost knocked my block off.

My supervisor looked at me and said with a grin, “He was intoxicated, it doesn’t count”

This was one of my first lessons learned at the DI, and I have had many since. The main thing it taught me is that there are so many different people who call this place home, and there will never be one rule that covers each and every person. I believe that is why I enjoy this job so much, even after 6 years there has never been a day that is the same.

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3 comments

1. Michaelle : February 11th, 2010 at 5:37 am
   

   You have taught me little lessons along the way all the same. Thank you Carrie.

   

2. Carrie : February 23rd, 2010 at 4:40 pm
   

   Thank you Michaelle

   

3. Amy : February 24th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
   

   Hey carrie, I loved your blog and all the best. But I also wanted you to know that although you are my little sister you have taught me alot about the real world and about accepting people for who they are and “Standing your Ground.” I’m working on the standing your ground part but it’s coming. I take those lessons with me always. Love you lots, Amy

   

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