Briana Cordero's ePortfolio

The code of ethics standard that relates to the commitment and values of lifelong learning is Cultural Competence and Social Diversity. This relates to me because I plan to work with adolescents of any population. These youths can be from any race, culture, neighborhood, family or social class. Understanding the nature of social diversity and oppression with respect to race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ethnicity, religion, immigration status, and mental or physical disability is crucial to being an effective change agent in amongst any population. However, Social and Political Action is where I’d like to grow and develop as a human service professional. I don’t think I do well in situations of conflict concerning clients. I don’t usually feel comfortable interjecting in their personal conflicts unless it interferes with someone’s well being. I need specific training on boundaries and maintaining professionalism while preventing and eliminating domination of, exploitation of, and discrimination against any person, ethnicity, group, or class on the basis of race.
One graduate program that I’m interested in is Hunter’s Public Policy & services, Community Organization and Planning and Development, based curriculum. This is not necessarily my favorite topic within the Human Service field but I need some experience in this area, as a result of my lack f interest. In a lot of organizations these skills are crucial in order to be a contributing factor to the establishment. The curriculum seems very broad with a focus on significant areas of social work such as case work with families, organizational management and treatment along with group work.
In my future I plan to receive my MSW and become a licensed social worker. My dream is to become a social worker in a High School to help these adolescents because I think they are often neglected. My struggles within my career are balancing work and my studies. With work being my means of survival, I cant devote 100% of my time to my studies. Some of the benefits I have been experiencing is pure happiness in the security of my future. I fear waking up everyday not loving what I do and I am thoroughly passionate about the well being of others who are in need.

My internship project was a curriculum I had to develop for a group at my internship Brooklyn Community Services. The group was aimed to develop interview skills on top of the already acquired job training they receive at the program for the mental health population it served. It was a sixteen week curriculum called “Mock Interview.” This group discussed common interview practices, professionalism, common interview questions, appropriate answers and professionalism. The group developed critical thinking skills and being able to think on your toes. The group was so well received that it will continue as a group although I am no longer the facilitator.
Other relevant experience i received are from the organizations I have volunteered with such as Fort Greene SNAP where I learned valuable networking and outreach skills such as community organizing, fundraisers and food drives.

The coursework has prepared me to work with many populations in the human service and social work fields.Five classes that I feel strongly prepared me for Human Services are Research Methods, Resource Development, Case Management, Group work practice and volunteering.Assignments, research, group work and class discussion has taught me many skills and overall professionalism.The population that tugs at my heartstrings is at risk youth, LGBT youth in particular. A frequent theme identified in experimental studies and clinical reports of lesbian, gay male, bisexual and transgender youths is the persistent pressure that is created by the verbal and physical abuse they garner from peers and adults. This is a population that I feel is vulnerable and often overlooked is the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community also know as LGBT. Inadequate HIV prevention education for the LGBT youths is a huge concern of mine. I learned that the bullying of LGBT youth leads to life long trauma and sometimes even depression. I also researched that many of the homeless youth are a part of the LGBT community. This led me to further my research and I came across statistics that were alarming to me. Young people are not always reached by effective HIV interventions or prevention education, especially young gay and bisexual men, because some sex education programs exclude information about sexual orientation. During my internship at Fort Greene SNAP there was a lot of community outreach. I took this time to visit local shelters such as the Auburn Shelter in Fort Greene, which supported many LGBT youths. In my interactions with the women of this shelter, I learned some of the most important lessons in which I would not have learned in a classroom. I learned boundaries, which I often struggle with. I learned its okay to connect with these youths, but not to take these issues home with me. I got emotional while listening to many of their stories and I found it hard to disconnect when leaving. The advice my supervisor at the time gave me was priceless and I am always very conscious of boundaries because I’m so emotional and compassionate.
Another useful skill I have acquired through practice and experience is patience with clients. I learned this through my time interning at Brooklyn Community Services with the adult mental health population, which can be very challenging at times. Another skill that I am continuously learning is how to work as a team with fellow staff members in order to efficiently delivers services to consumers. This is ongoing because each group of staff members you work with varies and you are constantly adapting.
The two places that really sum up community outreach are Trinity Place Shelter and Brooklyn Community Services. BCS services for the Brooklyn community to access an excellent education, job opportunities, safe and affordable housing, and quality and affordable health care and wellness programs. Trinity place’s mission is one that I admire and one day hope to help fulfill which is to help homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer youth and young adults in New York City to safely transition out of the shelter system and grow into independent, positive, and productive adults.
In my continued education in Human service I continue to learn and grow as a person and as a professional. Through the community outreach I can effectively change the future of these youths, one child at a time.HUS COURSE DESCRIPTION GRID