Stella

Stella wrote this while working as one of Ruth's full-time P.A.s from March 2001 until June 2002. She still comes back to work for Ruth occasionally.

Hi, I'm Stella. Working for Ruth is a wonderful experience. It has taught me a lot about myself and has helped me to grow in so many ways. It has taught me to be more responsible in all aspects of my life and has opened my eyes to new and exciting opportunities. I have been Ruth's P.A. since March 2001 and when I leave in June I feel I will be more confident and have so much more to offer to whatever I decide to do next.

Among other things, the job has given me the opportunity to rent a flat in the centre of Oxford. Previous to moving here I was living in Stratford-upon-Avon where I studied Performing Arts. I am now on my third year out having been travelling, spending time in Israel and Spain. Working for Ruth gives me the chance to save money (as I don't spend any during my weeks work!) so that hopefully I will be able to travel for the summer and then go to Drama school in September.

The job itself is fantastic. Ruth is a compassionate and understanding boss. She has always made me feel comfortable in her home and is great fun to be around. We have developed a strong professional relationship. There is a lot of time during my week with Ruth where I am not required to do any thing. This gives me the chance to spend some much needed time chillin' out on my own, writing, reading, watching copious amounts of T.V etc . . .

In my two weeks off I work at Café Rouge making cappuccinos all day which provides a nice contrast to the work I do with Ruth. Working for Ruth has changed my whole way of life. I treat the two weeks I have off as precious and I pack as much into them as possible. The time I spend at Ruth's is equally precious. It has given me a new sense of importance.

I had no previous experience in care before I took this job and I may never do anything like it again but I will never forget it and I will always be grateful for this wonderful opportunity.

Stella
Spring 2002

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Leanne

Leanne is Ruth's assistant from University days, she wrote this before she left in June 2002.

Hi, I'm Leanne, one of Ruth's P.A.s. I am eighteen years old and started working for Ruth in September 2001, after receiving my A-level results in the August.

I had chosen to take a gap year partly because I wasn't ready for university and also because my chosen degree programme (nursing) required experience. Previously to working for Ruth I had experience from volunteering with a local special needs support group. Other than that I have no care qualifications.

I discovered Ruth (so to speak) via my college careers adviser. Initially I thought that the job would be perfect for me. It meant that I could not only gain the relevant experience but I could also complete my A level re-sit.

Working for Ruth is a pleasure in itself. Its completely different to a normal working environment. Not only do you get to know Ruth on working basis, but also on a personal level, which makes the whole situation a lot friendlier and fun. In my case it helped, as being away from home is hard to begin with. It soon becomes a way of life which I am very happy with. I am currently working for Ruth one week in every three which means I have two weeks to do whatever I need. The two weeks more than compensate for the week.

I enjoy staying with Ruth as at the minute she is living at university. Personally I find it really good living within a university environment. It gives an insight into 'student life' without actually doing the work or going to the lectures.

The time I've spent working for Ruth has been very rewarding and has given me the necessary experience. Most importantly though I've had lots of fun along the way - working for Ruth is never boring!

Leanne
Spring 2002

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Jane

Jane was also one of Ruth's assistants at University. She worked for Ruth from June 2001 until June 2002 and wrote this during that time.

G'day! I started working for Ruth in June 2001. I am a 23-year-old Australian who has decided to spend a few years in Britain for a change of scenery and as a base for travel.

The care profession is quite new to me. Prior to packing my backpack I completed an architectural course. One of my final units was designing for the disabled. For a better understanding of the needs of people with disabilities I started working for "Activ": an organisation which arranges housing, jobs and leisure activities for adults with disabilities. My interest and passion has continued to grow from my work with "Activ".

The position with Ruth came to my attention while flipping through adverts in a magazine. "WOW" was my first thought. I believed the position would enable me to gain more experience in care work while maintaining time to travel. I was correct.

At present I share a house with friends in Oxford. Being Ruth's P.A. is very different from any other employment I have undertaken. The system works really well. There is a friendly working relationship and the job never fails to be interesting and rewarding.

The two weeks off is balanced between working for a care agency and travel. Amongst others I have made trips to Germany and Ireland in my time. As spring approaches I plan to take part in volunteer camps with organisations such as "Sense" and "Winged Fellowship".

My future plans are still unclear. I hope to combine my skills in care work with my architectural qualification. Further study is definitely an option - maybe a degree in Urban Planning or Occupational Therapy...

Jane
Spring 2002

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Kerry

Kerry worked for Ruth from October 1998 to August 2000 and wrote this shortly after she started. She is now training as a nurse and still does some occasional work for Ruth.

I started working for Ruth nearly four months ago. Getting the job was the best thing that had happened to me in a long time. Working for Ruth has enabled me to lead my own independent life away from home in my very own flat. She has also given me the chance to do a job which I love doing. However the job is suitable for anyone who wishes to try something a little different because it is a great experience and you can learn a lot. It also gives people the opportunity to take some time out to think about what they would like to do in the future. You may be like me, not having a clue about what I wish to do. Working for Ruth has made what I want out of life a little clearer for me.

At the moment I work for Ruth for eight days (24 hours a day) and then I have 13 days off. At first I thought that the job was too good to be true, but the system that Ruth uses works really well because although the work is tiring, two weeks off is great. However the week that I spend with Ruth is also enjoyable. She is a great, understanding boss, who appreciates that not everybody understands straight away what she needs and takes time and effort to explain to employees what they should do. She does this in a truly professional way and because of this you will learn quickly and effectively.

Kerry
February 1999

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