Since I am relatively certain that I want to work with homeless individuals and families with substance abuse disorders I was particularly fond of the courses listed above. These courses provided me an opportunity to explore the many aspects involved with treating these vulnerable populations. In addition, these courses gave me the chance to learn new skills and fine tune previously acquired ones. Learning about active listening, motivational interviewing, groupwork practice, organization and development, epidemiology reviews, funding sources, co-occuring disorders and community mental health were each invaluable lessons that will stay with me throughout my career.

There are three assignments that really had a tremendous impact on me. One was my epidemiology literature review on the relationship between substance abuse and homelessness (Community Mental Health), the second was creating a non-profit to address homelessness in Brooklyn (Commmunity Organization and Development). The third project was a group assignment in my Groupwork Practice class. Building relationships with my teammates, having intimate discussions within the class was a very therapeutic and worthwhile experience. I remember leaving that class every Saturday with a renewed sense of energy, motivation strength and courage. I truly came to understand the necessity and importance of group work. The amount of work that I invested in these three courses definitely demonstrated to me, and I believe to my professors, that homelessness and substance abuse disorders are two public health issues that are near and dear to me. While working on each of these projects, I discovered a love for research and advocacy. I came to appreciate the value of team work and the importance of having a voice and using it for the vulnerable and often less fortunate members of our community.