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Between classes: Buffy Arndt
Behaviour Interventionist
Buffy Arndt
doesn’t mind a little dust.
Education:
Behaviour Interventionist Citation, 2009
Currently:
Behaviour Interventionist, ABA Learning Center.
Hometown(s):
I was raised in Summerland BC and have lived in New Westminster for the last nine years.
Role models:
As a mother, returning to school at the age of 35 has given me an appreciation for any parent who chooses to go back to school and educate themselves. So my role models would have to be these parents. Many sacrifices are made by them and I commend them.
If I could turn back time
I would tell my 17-year-old self to take a few years to travel the world, come home, get an education and get a good job.
A logical choice
After becoming a mother, I decided I wanted to work with children. I had worked for 10 years with adults with disabilities. Douglas College was one of the few schools to offer this type of specialized Behaviour Interventionist program.
The good times
I am a social butterfly so I really enjoyed the social part of school. The material I learned here was so valuable that I came out of every class really feeling that I learned something.
The tough times
The hardest part of college was most definitely time management and prioritizing. Between raising two small children, exams, making dinner, laundry, my job, assignments and reading, it was hard to find a moment to breathe. But somehow you just manage to do it - my house didn't get dusted for an entire year, but hey, what's a little dust?
Life lessons
The world of autism is an interesting one. What this program taught me was to keep an open mind, don't judge and to look at each child as an individual - like a fingerprint, no two are the same. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was to always put the child first - they are children with autism, not autistic children.
My favourite instructor
Nicolas Watkins, by far one of the best teachers I have ever had. He is not only dedicated to and passionate about the field of autism, but also his students. He has a very positive attitude and a wonderful method of teaching. I retained everything he taught me and use his skills daily in my current job.
My advice to fellow grads
Even though school is over, there is always something new to learn. Continue to educate yourself daily, even if it is just through a book. Education is one of the best gifts we can give to ourselves. The payback is huge.
On a scale of 1 to 10
Hmm, I give leaving school at a five. I won't miss the exams, the stress of assignments and juggling life with school. But I will miss the day-to-day things school brought me: stories and knowledge from the teachers; the friends I made; and the lessons I learned. Everyday I accomplished something and that, I will miss. Oh yeah, and the food. Douglas College has a great cafeteria.
