Hi Everyone, Why are you in school? It is important to me to return to school an

Hi Everyone,
Why are you in school?
It is important to me to return to school and receive a degree in Psychology because of how it relates to my current line of work in human services.  This field of study is beneficial to how I think and interact with our clients as well as my peers.  Our highly skilled team works to ensure the best possible outcomes for the individuals that we serve in a host of various scenarios.  Developing this additional knowledge combined with many years of experience will allow me to contribute to our agency at a higher level and increase the reward of serving the disabled community in a meaningful way.
What are your strengths?
I am conscientious and organized.  Throughout my employment, I have developed the ability to empathize with our clients.  I actively listen to their concerns and have become a calm reassuring voice to our clients who claim to be experiencing abuse or neglect by their caregivers.  Our clients are comfortable communicating with me, and this communication assists our team in locating appropriate resources that might help serve their needs.  My strategic planning skills are appreciated by our investigators, and they lovingly refer to me as “the glue that holds the department together”.  I positively accept feedback and use this feedback to adapt our processes to improve the flow of our department.
How do you learn best?
I learn best through reading, listening, and collaboration.
What are your skills?
I am motivated, organized, and pay attention to detail.  Throughout my career, I have developed excellent communication, computer applications, and problem-solving skills.  I collaborate well with others to reach expected goals.  It is important to me that I maintain a positive attitude and treat others with respect and dignity.
What skills do you want to improve or learn?
I would like to develop a more involved role in providing services to our clients through education and training. My commitment to the agency is important to me and I would like to expand my capabilities in serving our clients.
What are your interests and hobbies?
I enjoy reading autobiographies, gardening, music-particularly classic rock and country, watching major league baseball, traveling to ballparks throughout the country, and box fit classes. 
What problems would you like to address in the world?
Ethical treatment and social justice for vulnerable populations such as disabled individuals, children, and the elderly.
I was raised by parents who both served in the military during the Vietnam Era . I developed a high respect for our veterans and the sacrifices that they have made.  I would love to contribute to veteran’s services in some way.
Where do you envision yourself in five years?
I plan to expand in my current role with adult protective services for disabled individuals and see myself providing case management services in five years. 
Which of the programmatic course themes is most relevant to your career or goals for personal growth?
Social justice for the disabled population is a large part of my role by assisting in creating a safe environment for our clients and contributing towards their ability to remain independent in the community.
My goal of obtaining a case management role would give me the ability to advocate for services for our clients like joining our vocational rehabilitation program.  This service would provide them with career connections that match their interests and skills, helping them to remain independent.
Emotional intelligence relates to my well-being in the workplace as well as the people we serve.  Empathy is imperative in positions related to vulnerable populations that are the subject of abuse. The ability to actively listen and connect with these individuals opens communication and creates a productive environment. Self-awareness and self-regulation play an important role when communicating with staff and clients, especially when communicating with alleged abusers.  According to Oginska-Bulik (2005), the ability to recognize people’s emotions and to regulate one’s own emotions seem to be very important in human service work.  Ethical treatment between staff and clients creates a comfortable and productive workplace.  Social awareness and conflict resolution are necessary when reaching the goal of the best possible outcome for our clients.
The meme below clearly represents who I am.  I have been drawn to the well-being of others since I was a child, so much so that my mother nicknamed me “Tenderheart”.  I am passionate about the proper treatment of children, the elderly, disabled individuals, and animals.  I have been known to befriend elderly individuals and have prepared many hot meals and provided companionship to them over the years.  Truth be told, they have provided me with companionship, there is nothing better than listening to the wisdom of those that have lived a full life.  I signed up at a temp agency when I was 21 years old and was placed at a human services agency.  This placement was such a blessing because it is where I was meant to be, they hired me as soon as my temp contract was completed.  I have spent 33 years working for this agency in various capacities and have created lasting relationships with coworkers throughout the years.  I love where I work and will remain there until I retire!  After retirement, I still plan to do something where I am helping others.
I have really enjoyed this class and our discussions.  I wish everyone well in your continued journey! 
Dorry
References
Ogińska-Bulik, N. (2005). Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace: Exploring Its Effects on Occupational Stress and Health        Outcomes in Human Service Workers. International Journal of Occupational Medicine & Environmental Health, 18(2), 167–175
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Remember to respond to two peers while being respectful of and sensitive to their viewpoints. Consider advancing the discussion in the following ways:
Engage in conversation with your peers around their bios. Consider asking a question or sharing similarities about yourself.
Discuss with peers how EI will play a part in your actualization of goals and self.