Program Of Studies |
Throughout my graduate career, I was fortunate enough to take a number of valuable classes to guide me into the counselor I am today. I am competent in handling tough situations where there really might not be a right or wrong answer. These situations could involve social, gender, race, or even ethnicity issues. Or, if the situation is new, I am able to realize my ability to step back from the situation in order to get more information before I make an important decision on the plan of action. Also, with my degree of PreK-8, I was able to learn about the growth and development of a student going through the first half of life as a student. Not only was I able to learn about the various stages from Erikson and Piaget, but I was also able to see them happen during the practicum hours. If some one was developing abnormally, various test and assessments where looked at during the program in order to assist these students and finding their strengths but also helping them with their weaknesses. Research and evaluation allowed me to analyze articles through a different lens. I am now a better consumer of data through when looking at different research articles. Finally, career enlightened me in the many ways of helping students find their likes and interests, in hopes that one day those likes, and interests will lead them into a career they will enjoy.
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InternshipI was able to take the lessons I learned from my studies into the real world during my last two semesters at Bridgewater. I was fortunate enough to be able to gain experience at an Memorial Elementary School in the fall and Stacy Middle School in the spring. This experience was was eye opening and exciting for me at both levels. I could finally apply what I have been learning to actual students. During this time, I leaned through being in the moment. Dealing with students who were in crisis in a classroom with other students watching was a skill that schooling could not have taught me. Channeling the nerves as I am about to present a guidance curriculum in front of a classroom full of students and teachers was another skill I am glad to have gained. Finally, establishing and maintaining a professional relationship with my middle school students while not being overly friendly with them is a skill that I value the most coming out of Stacy Middle School.
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Working Experience |
Not only did these classes and Internship shape my thinking, but working at the Evergreen Center gave me an edge going into the school counseling field. Here, my cognitive behavioral perspective on students was greatly improved. At the center, staff use strictly behavioral techniques in order to help the students with their severe disabilities. Being in a classroom with eight non-verbal students increased my abilities to ignore the maladaptive behaviors but also reward the positive behaviors that were seen. With this simple skill, I have seen students transform. By exaggerating these positive and helpful actions that are seen at an elementary level can shape the students to continue to use these positive behaviors and actions at the middle and high school level. Also, my patience to handle certain behaviors increased dramatically. Students are unique and not one are the same. Therefore, patience is needed to succeed with students as their minds develop and grow at different rates.
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