Since, a student at New York City Technical College taking several courses to satisfy one’s degree is sometimes questionable such as Biology and Anatomy which was implemented a few years ago. Of the entire courses there has been quite a some that has gained interest in myself in which such as Elements of Counseling, Volunteerism, Social Welfare Policy and Programs, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment and Survival of African Americans in America. The psychological, social and political aspect of the classes mentioned above has exposed me wanting to work with this particular population. I went to an all-Black and Hispanic High School and the everyday stressors were prevalent in the 90’s and has not subsided more or less but probably increased with social media. My peers had to decide on whether to complete a degree, sell drugs, join a gang or just drop out of school to take care of a child or ill parent. It hit home when my friend Manuel was killed in his motorcycle accident speeding away police during our senior year. I have gained that we can no change anyone, we meet the client where they are and hope to become great change agents in this field. We identify each client as a person with respect regardless of their life decisions past or present. Also, to acknowledge that we are not liable to impose our beliefs, morals, ethics, religion on our clients regardless of the situation; a judgement and bias free zone is what we should be providing.

HUS 2401 Intro to Gerontology

Reviewing the process of the physiological and psychological of the aging generation. The disorders, challenges to new living environments, debilitating illnesses and how to care for aging population.

HUS 3602 Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment

Understanding that a person has a disease and meeting them where they are. A person is never cured of the disease and ultimately has to live one day at a time.

HEA 3510 Social Welfare Policy & Program

Understanding the different governmental programs and services that were designed to assist Americans in need such as Medicaid, Food Stamps, Social Security Act and Association for Disability Act, Voting Act, Women’s Suffrage and other programs and laws that were put into effect for progression of the country

HUS 4801 Professional Internship

The development of responsible and appropriate problem solving techniques as emphasized when interning in ones selected site.

AFR 1460 Black America Today

How the ancestral times of slaves have built the African American people in today’s time. How can African American people of today band together to coexist strategically building economic developments, housing, wealth while maintaining cultural aware of one’s ancestral past.

Internship Experience:

Interning with the developmental disabled and mental retardation population gave me the opportunity to learn how to engage with them  on a professional and personal level. The consumers ranged from low functioning to high functioning individuals. What were there needs and wants even when the consumer was not verbal. How do I differentiate a sound of pain and or gratitude was one of skills I learned as an intern. When I was at the residence weekly it seemed as if I had become a permanent staff I was able to identify the consumers goal and work with them on the outcome. As, I spoke with Dr. P last semester in regards to the consumers goals which sometimes seemed either outdated or far fetched was never resolved. Though, the QMRP, Qualified Mental Retardation Personnel was the person to formulate the goals found that each consumers can be able to reach their highest potential if worked along with someone to assist them. When I interned with a different consumer it aided me in understanding and engaging with them on a personal level. The Easter vacation I interned daily and was able to see how the residence was during the morning hours when assisting them to complete daily living skills prior to leaving for day habilitation.One of the most profound skills I was able to gain was communication skills with the consumers whom were non-verbal. Acknowledging their wants and needs just as ours were of great importance. Supervision, Dr. K and The QMRP assisted me on gaining experience on assessing/evaluating a consumer. When I was able to sit and read each of the consumers assessment book it identified their entire life, medical, biological, psychological, sociological and physiological aspect of each one.