By Kinga Blando

Alexandra Samperi, who goes by the name “Lexi,” is a senior at Batavia High School. She works at Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, which is a program with kids who have disabilities.

Q: What motivated you to get a job?

A: “Money, and my parents were nagging me to get a job.”

Q: How long have you been working there?

A: “A year and a half”

Q: How many hours a week do you usually get and how did you feel about the amount of hours you received both summer and school year?

A: During the summer, “I worked 5 days a week for 7 and a half hours. I started at 8:30 and would end at around 4:30, so I worked a lot but it didn’t feel so bad because I work with kids and it’s summer camp. After work, it’s not too late to hangout with friends”. During the school year, “I work around 8 hours a week. Two or three hours after school for 3 days. It’s not so bad because I still have time to do homework and go to the gym after.”

Q: What are your duties there?

A: “I am an aid for two kids in elementary school who have autism.”

Q: Did you learn a little bit about autism after being with them for a while?

A: “Yes, I learned how to be patient and how to calm them down when they are going through a melt down.”

Q: What’s your favorite part about the job?

A: “Having a relationship with the kids and getting to know them.”

Q: What’s the hardest part about the job?

A: “Sometimes I don’t know how to handle their behavior and you have to act quickly.”

Q: Do you enjoy working there?

A: “I do, it doesn’t feel like a job.”

Q: What did you learn from working there?

A: “How to work with all types of people.”

Q: Do you like the people you work with?

A: “Yeah, they’re around my age so it’s easier to bond.”

Q: How does your job affect your school work?

A: “It doesn’t because it feels so short.”