Marisol has been a Peer Provider at Family Health Centers of San Diego for several years. Being a Peer Provider has opened up new vistas in her life and she plans to become a social worker in the future.
What got you interested in becoming a Peer Provider?
I like talking to young teens about things they can't even talk to others about.
I like it when they open up to me and ask me for reassurance if they need to.
What gives you the most satisfaction about being a Peer Provider?
The most satisfaction is when teens themselves ask for birth control methods so I know when I am talking to them they are thinking for themselves.
What makes you unique?
What makes me unique is that I have the ability to talk with teens and to listen to them like they want to be listened to. I know how to do that and how to talk to them in a way that they understand.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future is to finish high school and go into college to become a social worker.
What advice do you have for your fellow Peer Providers?
My advice to them is to talk to teens how you would have liked for others to talk to you when you needed help or even just had questions. Think of ways to explain things in a way that they will understand you.
What would you say to someone interested in becoming a Peer Provider?
This job is not like any other job. This is an opportunity to talk with and meet other young teens and help them with anything that you can help them with. Or to just talk to them if they have any questions or concerns.