Reflecting
Key Takeaways
I gained so much knowledge, valuable connections, skills and experiences through completing my project. Even though it sometimes felt like I was being thrown into the fire my first couple of shifts, it really helped me push myself out of my comfort zone and learn quickly. Especially when client’s got chaotic (self-harm, fighting, running away, etc.). I have not had time for a job while being a student, as well as an athlete at SUU for 4 years. So I was nervous but excited to try out this real-life job experience. Simple things like introducing myself, communicating with other workers, showing up on time, and making sure my clients were safe and doing what was supposed to be done while I was on shift was very exciting and fulfilling to me. I have always been so heavily focused on sports, so this internship really helped me grow as a future worker and realize how exciting a career can be and what I need to focus on after graduation.
I learned that I’m a good leader right now, but have potential to be a great leader. I also noticed that being a captain on my track team really helped me in this job setting as well. I would be stern when I needed to, encouraging, answered questions and kept them on a well-ran schedule. When working with young adults not much younger than you, it can be challenging to have them listen or take you seriously. This resulted in me physically showing them why I would be a good example to follow and that I genuinely want to help, not just boss them around. One thing I could definitely work on is being too friendly as a leader, sometimes it was tempting to let one of my clients break a rule or skip an activity to avoid them getting upset with me. The changes I made in some of my client’s lives was hopefully that they learned to stay positive, progress takes time, and gained confidence in themselves.
Future Plans
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This project gave me the confidence that I wasn’t sure I had in myself when it comes to being a valuable employee and tackling a big task/project. I will definitely continue to imply good communication skills, budgeting and planning in all of my future projects. I believed that those items really helped my project run smoothly and successfully. Something that I wouldn’t do again is slack on documenting immediately after each shift, sometimes it was hard to recall what had happened. The days I wrote in my journal as soon as I got home were much easier to remember details and events of each shift. My future ability to successfully complete projects still needs some work, but this was a great starting point for me personally. This project showed me what I am capable of if I truly want it, as well that I am definitely going into a career that I can always enjoy and thrive in.