Working at Ranch Ehrlo is unlike any other job. You may be trained in one discipline or another, have degrees decorating your walls, and accomplishments tucked under belt but if you’re not committed whole-heartily it won’t work out.

“I don’t care how much education a person has, if they don’t have the heart, they can’t do the job,” said one program manager.

Working at Ranch Ehrlo is more than just a job; it’s being in the position to influence someone’s life. Your job title may read youth care worker but actually translates to cheerleader, referee, coach, mentor, guardian, friend, nurse, tutor and more.

While there’s no cookie-cutter way of healing a child, fixing a family, or growing independence in a youth, there are some philosophies that will help you along the way. So here is a list of five things everyone who works (or plans to work) at Ranch Ehrlo should know:

Every situation is unique: No two experiences are the same. Don’t make assumptions or comparisons because you think one situation is similar to another.

People can change: A person’s past may be the reason for the choices they have made or way that they behave, but people are always changing and always evolving. The past doesn’t have to dictate the future.

People need to know you care: Everyone needs someone to cheer with, laugh with, cry with, or stand with. You don’t have to agree with someone to accept them.

Success is defined differently for everyone: Success may be accomplishing a goal, overcoming fear, or learning from failure. Success looks different for everyone but is benchmarked by pride and accomplishment.

If you’re making a positive difference, you’re doing your job: Be present and be compassionate. If you have an open mind and an open heart, you will make a difference.