Loves Redemption Kimberly Terry (i can read books TXT) 📖

would they not? What is there not to love? You are very good for their son, and he is good for my little sister.”

No sooner was she releasing Maya from the tight embrace then a knock sounded on

Dalia’s door. “Hello. Is anyone in there?”

“That may be our new grad student, I will go and see. If so, would you like for me to

bring him in?” she asked.

“Please do, Dalia.” Maya picked up the file folder that contained the information Dalia

had already gathered on the graduate student and skimmed over his resume. Maya could hear

Dalia greet the visitor as she walked into her office.

Soon after, Dalia appeared at her door with a young man standing beside her. His head

came to Dalia’s shoulders, which made him roughly four inches taller than Maya.

As Maya greeted her visitor, she briefly took in his appearance, from the wide smile

crossing his small features to the tightly clasped hands he’d placed in front of his body. His large brown eyes were framed by lashes long enough to make any woman envious, and his lips were a natural light shade of pink.

Smiling in return, Maya shook the student’s hand. “Hello I’m Dr. Richardson, it’s nice to

meet you Mr. Smith.”

“It’s wonderful to meet you Dr. Richardson, and please call me James.”

“James it is then,” she said with a small nod before continuing. “And please most of my

interns, as well as the residents, call me Dr. Maya.”

She motioned him to have a seat with a wave of her hand. Seating herself, she looked up

from the file she’d picked up to begin their interview.

“James I’d like to start by allowing you to tell me anything about yourself you’d like,

including your area of study and what interested you in the social services arena. I don’t really conduct these interviews in any type of formal way so please feel free to speak as openly as you feel comfortable in doing,” Maya began the interview as she sat back in her chair and reached for her pad and pen.

“Yes, ma’am. I started graduate school a few years ago and had to stop for personal as

well as financial reasons, and I’ve only recently returned.” As he began talking, a fleeting look of sadness crossed his face. “I’m currently employed by the police department in human relations.

As a state employee not a police officer,” he clarified.

“Do you enjoy the work you do with the police department, James?” Maya asked after a

short pause.

“Very much so. The people I work with are wonderful, and one of my supervisor’s was

very supportive of my return to graduate school.”

“James, how did you first hear about Imani House, and what interested you in doing your

internship with us?”

“I only recently saw you on television speaking about Imani House and the work done

here. After I learned more about your programs, I was really impressed. I’ve always been

interested in working with this particular population, and only recently returned to school in order further my education in counseling.”

“It’s very rewarding for me to work with the men and women at Imani House who

benefit from all of our programs, especially those in need of counseling services,” Maya agreed.

“When I looked over your resume I noted you have some experience in counseling at a teen

emergency center, what was that like for you?”

Maya listened as the young man eloquently spoke on what it was like for him to be able

to help youth who were experiencing some of the same types of problems he’d experienced as a young person.

Without being prompted he continued to tell Maya how he’d been mistreated as a child

and adolescent. “Dr. Richardson, this was one of many reasons I decided to study psychology and counseling.”

“Do you feel this is a good reason to go into the field?” Maya asked in a carefully

unbiased tone.

James’s eyes darted sharply in her direction. Maya caught the disquieting look cross his

features before it was as quickly erased; making her wonder if she’d imagined it.

“I don’t believe it would be if it were the only reason. However, it’s not my only reason.

Before I decided this was something I wanted to do as a career, I sought out counseling myself.

A professor once advised, before anyone enters into social services, or any counseling

profession, they should first receive therapy to help them resolve any issues they have. I took that advice to heart and it helped me a great deal. I have a real desire to help other people who’ve fallen by the wayside for one reason or another to get back on the right track.” With a gentle smile he explained.

Maya smiled in return, and nodded her head in silent agreement with his previous

professor. She’d known of a few young counselors and social workers who’d either broken down in front of the client or had been unpleasantly surprised at the feelings a client’s issue had stirred within them.

They finished the interview, and Maya was satisfied James would make a nice addition to

Imani House. She walked around her desk to extend her hand to him.

“Welcome aboard James, I think you’ll enjoy your internship at Imani House just as

much as we’ll enjoy having you here with us. Dalia will help you to fill out the rest of your packet. Usually Dr. Tomas has helped the student with the University’s end of the paperwork.

I’m sure he was able to do so before he left for Guatemala for the summer?” she both stated and asked.

At his nod she continued, “Great. Make sure Dalia has all of your paperwork. Once it’s

filled out, she’ll bring it in for me to sign. She’ll also set up your schedule. Do you have any questions for me, James?”

At the door he turned toward her. “No Dr. Richardson, I don’t have any questions for

now. I want to thank you for accepting me as an intern here at Imani House.” There was heartfelt gratitude in his voice.

“If you