Today I got the email that I made it to the first round of interviews for that camp job I was interested in. It’s literally one week this summer, but I really REALLY want this. It was one of those video interviews where it asks a question and then you get 60 seconds to formulate an answer and then you can either click the button to start the video or you wait until the 60 seconds is over. The email said it would only take 10-15 minutes, so I decided to get it done and not put it off at all. Without knowing the questions, waiting would serve no purpose, especially when I had the time right away.
So I started with the first question, which was what does trans joy mean to you. What is the value of joy to trans kids (and all trans people?) It was sort of a deepish question for me, but pretty easy to answer. Reflecting on my answer, I realize now that I was actually really vulnerable and honest about my upbringing and how I wasn’t validated or celebrated for who I was. My parents (and older relatives) actively tried to make me who they thought I should be. I talked about the validation and the opportunity to be with children like them and how valuable that experience can be.
The second question asked about experience working with youth and keeping them engaged and safe. This was another one because I could reflect back on my soccer coaching and talk about how I have to alternate between quiet learning things and active running things. Most kids I coached hadn’t played outdoor soccer, so there was a lot to teach and as mostly third graders, they weren’t always receptive to those quieter teaching moments. So I was able to share how I flexed activities to keep them busy. I talked a little about my lacrosse coaching experiences. I think I did ok with this one.
The third question asked about how “campy” you are, specifically favorite games and camp songs. I do not remember a darn thing about summer camp, other than the religious camp I attended and sang very religious songs around the fire. Still, I don’t remember those songs in their entirety. So I was honest and said it’s been a long and I don’t remember much, but that I am a campy wannabe. It’s true. I am not afraid to learn new things or look goofy. I said I can make up songs or change words on current songs to make them funny. I am hoping that my honesty will be fun to them and they will want to hire me.
The fourth question asked about handling conflict, along with amount of experience with handling conflicts and comfort level with it. Now, I do like a good conflict and have no problem telling someone what’s what. That being said, I prefer to address it initially by asking questions and seeking to understand while not getting defensive or angry. So that’s what I said. I said I have a lot of experience with conflict in military situations and being very blunt and direct when needed, but that I don’t prefer that route if the less aggressive way will work. I said I was very comfortable with handling conflicts.
The final question was anything else you want them to know about you. Basically I said I was excited about the camp coming to our area and even if I am not a part of it, I was very excited for the opportunities for the local trans youth, especially because this state has not been kind to trans kids recently. I thanked them for their consideration and the possible opportunity. And then it was over.
And now I wait again for the next round of interviews or conversation or whatever happens. I applied to be a team leader for 5-11 year olds, which is what the interview was for. I also applied to be a lead for activities, but that wasn’t on there for the interview. The 5-11 year old team lead is the job I definitely want, so I am glad that is what they put me down for.
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