by Ayianna Maddox

When someone says that they work in Human Services, the automatic thought is Child Protective Services (CPS) or counseling. But, CPS and counseling are only fractions of Human Services. What other fractions make up the whole pie?

“It’s not just counseling mental health; there are a lot of different avenues people can go down. We need each of those services, from cosmetology to police officers and firefighters. It’s all the necessities for day-to-day life,” Human Services teacher Kyle Keplinger stated. 

In a way, people in the human services business sacrifice their lives every day. Firefighters fight fires, police officers fight crime, and assist in cases that involve abuse. 

Psychologists and therapists put their needs aside to help guide their clients into a better lifestyle. These titles have quite a lot in common, but the most important fact is that they all selflessly put their lives on pause to aid other people.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “firefighters sleep, eat, and perform other duties during shifts that often last 24 hours.” 

For psychologists, “Psychologists can expect to work 35-40 hours a week, usually Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. However, they can do more or fewer hours depending on their role,” CPD Online College reports. 

As children, we view these people as invincible or immortal. But we have to remember that they are just like us, human. Humans are mortal, emotional, and forces to be reckoned with, but our idols have families and friends too. Putting their lives on the line, knowing they could alter their fate differently each day, to protect others, is an act done out of selflessness and valor.

“It can be emotionally taxing, but it can be a very rewarding career. The reward far outweighs any of the negatives,” Keplinger said contentedly.

Human Services poses as an opportunity to create lasting bonds and carry them throughout life. As life progresses, there will be multiple job interviews, multiple opportunities, but with different backgrounds. Who knows, your future employer could be a life you’ve changed in the past.