RA with Teens

I've really been enjoying my RA class this semester. It's really the only class I've been enjoying, actually. The assignments are fun and creative, and it's easy to see how practical they are as well as how they can actually be implemented in a real working situation. The more work I do in the RA courses, the more I think I would like to do this type of work when I do find a job. 

I'm not sure if I would want to work with teens only though. I do like children, though teenagers less so, but I find myself very awkward around them. Especially teens.  When I talk to them, in professional capacities, I find it hard to find the line between being the working, responsible adult and still being a person who is able to have a conversation with them. Knowing what's appropriate language, topics, etc. as opposed to, not inappropriate per se, but....hmm, I suppose, more how an adult would speak to them versus how they speak to their peers? 

Don't know if that makes any sense, but that's one of the things that makes me a little nervous about working with children and young adults.I like them, but I don't know how to relate to them. That, and sometimes teens are scary. I didn't really like them even when I was a teenager. 

I would definitely like to try though. I love the work that can be done for them and with them, with the programs that we as library staff can make available to them. I very firmly believe that all children, no matter their age, need a place where they can come and feel welcome and have services that cater to their needs. Sometimes they don't get that at home, and not even at school sometimes, depending on budget cuts. And if the library can offer that, then I think they have a responsibility as a part of the community to do so. 

Maybe it's cliche, but our children are our future and we need to foster their learning, their ingenuity and creativity, their health and well-being as much as we can. 

So yes. I think I would like to do RA work with teens. Or with anyone really. :)