Author Archives: Mirna

HUS Discussion Questions: Chapter 2 and 3

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Chapter 2

1. Describe the techniques and solutions used to aid in the well-being of clients who were in distress.

The king was to protect their land and property and to provide them with their basic needs.

2. Describe the evolution of human well-being services, from the middle ages to present day by individuals, professionals and society.

In the middle ages individuals who had mental illnesses were believed to be possessed and were beat, starved and had their circular disk removed from their skull. Hippocrate was one of the only physicians that took the scientific approach to mental illnesses and trying to explain them. Society branded people as idiots, lunatics or believed they had demons in them. Compared to this day and age where individuals are given the proper care and services they require. Professionals are educated on all mental illnesses and how to deal with them and society has a better understanding as to what these people go through and what is wrong with them.

3. Describe how Obama-Care’s mission is to aid the well-being of Americans.

Accessible healthcare would aid to the American’s well-being to protect them from potential sicknesses. America is one of the most expensive places to live in but has the lowest quality health care, with Obama care the peoples health becomes a priority.

4. Describe how social philosophies were promoted to aid in the well-being of clients and society.

Social philosophies were promoted to aid in the well-being of clients and society by making them want to work harder in order to be well respected and instilled a form of independence in wanting to be the best at what they can. Doing it on their own.

5. Describe how the mental health movement promoted the well-being of clients/society.

The mental health movement promoted the well-being of clients/society because it brought about clinics where mental patients were able to get treatment that they needed and social services were available if needed.

6. Describe how the human service movement promoted the well-being of clients/society.

The human service movement promoted the well-being of clients/society because they understood their clients and the troubles they were going through and gave them direct care giving, comforting them when they needed it.

7. Describe how entitlement benefits (Medicare, Medicaid, Welfare) promote the well-being of individuals/society.

Entitlement benefits promote the well-being of individuals/society because everyone can’t afford to purchase their medication that is necessary or to put food on the table. Some people need assistance, they are necessary for people throughout the world to main healthy and alive.

8. Describe how legislation promotes the well-being of individuals/society.

Legislation promotes the well-being of individuals/society because it helps provide prescribed medication for sick patients on medicare.

Chapter 3

1. Describe how the trends of technology, in the field of human services, are attempting to aid a client’s well-being.

The trends of technology in the field of human services are attempting to aid a client’s well-being because it is a source of communication, information management, service delivery and professional development.

2. Describe how technology can promote well-being in professional development for human service workers and ultimately clients.

Technology can provide well-being in professional development for human service workers and clients because it allows them to do practices more effectively and efficiently, it allows them to provide better services for least expenses.

3. Describe what managed care is, and how it promotes client well-being.

Managed care is a set of tools or methods designed to manage resources and deliver human services, especially in the areas of health care and mental health. It promotes well-being because it has a great influence on the client and helper and how they work together to plan and provide services.

4. Describe some of the limitations of managed care and how it can impact on well-being.

Limitation on managed care can impact on well-being because they sometimes push for the lowest level of care that will meet the client’s needs. If the client’s needs are not being met as best as they can be then you aren’t servicing your client therefore hurting them more than helping.

5. Describe what service delivery means and how it promotes well-being.

Service delivery is the interaction between a worker and a client where the worker offers a service, whether that be information or a task. It promotes well-being because good service delivery provides clients with an increase in value.

6. Describe how human service professionals pay attention to various groups in order to promote well-being of specific populations.

Human service professionals pay attention to various groups in order to promote well-being of specific population because they further their knowledge so that they can work with different people and more diverse groups. They respect other people’s beliefs as well as thoughts.

7. Describe what is happening internationally promotes or hinders the well-being of U.S. citizens.

The international dimension promotes well-being of the U.S. citizens because it keeps us flowing faster and stronger. It helps us transport ourselves and information at much faster pace making it accessible.

8. Describe how the concept of “teaching a man to fish” promotes well-being.

The concept of “teaching a man to fish” goes a long way in human services. If a helper constantly gives the client answers and does things for them they will never develop the skills to work through their problems on their own. If there is no growth the client will never learn how to make decisions on their own.

9. Describe how cultural competency can promote well-being.

Cultural competency can promote well-being because it transforms knowledge of individuals and groups of people into standards, policies and practices to increase the quality of services that eventually produce better outcomes.

Pre-Draft: Thesis Paragraph

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Many believe that with money you have everything. When in reality what you make of your wealth is what you make of yourself. Often when people are asked what makes them happy or would bring them happiness they reply with money or material things. The question is what do those things really do to contribute to your happiness? When taken into your own perspective you might believe nothing, or you might think everything, when your emotional state shouldn’t depend on stuff that you buy. In two articles named, “How to buy happiness” by Elizabeth Dunn and Michel Norton and “How to buy happiness: what good is money if it can’t be bought” by Sonja Lyubomirsky, they explore this idea and why materialistic items and money shouldn’t be the equivalent to happiness.

HUS Chapter 8

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1. Describe how the client empowerment model for change effectively impacts a client’s well-being status? Include what the professional would do to implement the model in the counseling session.

The goal of this model is to instill support and empowerment in the client so they can believe in themselves. A human service worker would do this by simply looking for causes that they want to support that would better the lives of their clients.

2. Describe how a community-based agency’s mission and goals promotes well-being and happiness for their clients.

The mission and goals make the clients aim to achieve their goals and see the possibilities that are out there for them. It helps the client and helper better understand the client and for them to work out future issues on their own.

3.Describe how an agency’s organizational chart promotes well-being through the chain of command.

Organizational charts and chains of command are both helpful notions to demonstrate a structure of an agency. The organizational chart shows information flow,services and staff while chain of command show lines of authority. This helps the client’s well-being because all of the information is neatly organized and easy to understand.

4. Describe how the referral process is utilized in relation to the client’s well-being.

Human service workers sole purpose is to help people and assist them in their needs. Sometimes a certain person isn’t the best suited for the job and believes that someone else would be better to aid them or the client believes someone else can assist them. Through referrals, the client is pointed to someone else or another agency that can better meet their needs.

5. Describe how an informal network can aid in the referral and well-being goals.

Informal network can aid in the referral and well-being goals of a client by using personal networks which uses people who know the individual well can talk and also reach out to others who can assist in getting a referral, an example would be social clubs or even churches.

6. Describe how documentation and paperwork requirements aid in the the well-being of the client.

Paperwork requirements aid in the well-being of clients because it provides a permanent record which other professionals can view and see the client’s history whether they are currently working with them or for future references. It directs the helper on what exactly the client needs.

7. Describe how stress and “burnout” of the worker can impact the client’s well-being.

Stress and “burnout” of the worker can impact the clients well-being because the worker’s whole objective is to help client’s and support them, because of burnout there are negative affects on their work environment and helping process. If a helper is stressed or burned out their whole perspective is altered which cripples them on helping out the client.

8. Describe how professional development activities can impact the well-being of the worker. Describe how it also impacts service delivery to the client.

Professional development activities can impact the well-being of the worker because it helps the worker develop new skills and gain new knowledge that is helpful in aiding their clients. If the worker is furthering their skills and knowledge they can be more beneficial for their clients and be more successful in their process.

9. Describe how a human service worker can utilize client empowerment as a tool in the well-being of a client.

A human service worker can utilize client empowerment as a tool in the well-being of a client by supporting them and allowing them to make their decisions independently. Once they see that they are equipped to take control over their life they will begin to know how to deal with certain situations that occur in their life.

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In Bill De Blasio’s primary victory speech he discusses various points in making NYC a better place for it’s citizens. He refers to current dilemmas that need to be addressed and solved. De Blasio mentions how pro active policing became racial profiling, the wealthy rebounded from the great recession while half of New York citizens are living in poverty and parents fearing their children will not be able to obtain a college education. He wants to make New York a better place to live and get it back to where it used to be if not better. He believes there was a time when New Yorkers supported each other and helped each other through any circumstances. September 11, was a primary example. It was mentioned how people helped one another without any questions asked or economic stability, race or anything else being relevant as compared to now where luxury condos are replacing community hospitals. De Blasio also believes all children should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential and that their chance is being taken away from them. It is also mentioned how the wealthy who make half a million dollars or more are being asked to pay a little more in taxes to fund after school programs and pre-k but that they believe too much is being asked of them but De Blasio disagrees and goes on to mention why it’s necessary and is in fact important. The last point made was stop and frisk. Young African american people or people of color in general being stopped without cause and how it is unsafe for the victims and unsafe for the police.

De Blasio uses pathos throughout his speech when referring to 911. During his speech he refers back to the tragedy and people’s loved ones. He sympathizes with them which makes his audience believe he understands their grief and is on their side. He uses logos when speaking about the wealthy and the poor. While the rich is living comfortably the poor is struggling to make a living and provide proper education and future for their children. Ethos is applied when he constantly mentions how he himself is a New Yorker and knows how we feel. He mentions how others believe we are asking for too much but we are aiming high because “we are New Yorkers” and are born thinking big. He strokes the audiences ego by saying we are proud citizens of the greatest city in the greatest county on earth, and we make it great.

De Blasio is for the poor, he is trying to make a change in how they live and have equal opportunities as the wealthy. He believes New York can go back to being a city where everyone cares for one another and have each other’s shoulders to lean on. That is the city he is trying to re-create and re-establish. With tackling the current problems that burdens New Yorkers and solving them it will eventually equal to our well-being and happiness. In Joe Lhota’s primary victory speech he speaks on unifying the city and making the public and government go hand in hand. He believes that everyone in the city has more in common than differences. When speaking about the common desires of the people he mentions safe streets, proper education for children for a better future, good paying jobs to secure food and shelter for their families and strong quality life. Lhota believes that New York is on a good route and wants to continue going that way. Crime is at historic lows, economy is expanding and large industries are providing good paying job which is everything everyone is rooting for. Throughout his speech he makes sure that the audience is aware of the other parties in what he believes are mistakes. He believes that stop and frisk should continue and that New Yorkers should be strongly supportive of the NYPD in order to have safer streets. He also goes for children having a good strong education but believes parents should be participating in the process. Lhota states that he can bring the city together so that we can have a stronger foundation and get things done.

Lhota uses pathos when referring to everyone having more in common than differences. By him saying this the people then start to feel as if they all want the same things and really are united. He uses logos when stop & frisk is brought up. He states that stop & frisk must continue and that the NYPD should be fully supported on it to keep our streets safe. The NYPD doesn’t have to stop and frisk in order for the streets to be safe, there are other ways. Lastly, ethos is applied when Lhota mentions that New Yorkers are unlike any other people in this world and have spirit, drive and are unstoppable. He appeals to their characters by telling them how great they are.

Lhota is for the middle class. He wants the city and government to be united and work together to make New York a better place to live and grow. Lhota wants the people to participate and feel like their voices are being heard by making monthly meetings where the public speaks on improvements needed to make New York a better place. So the public and government work together instead of against each other. He also believes in strengthening the education system and the NYPD.

HUS 1101 Chapter 9

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1. Describe how the Human Services Code of Ethics initiates, guides and promotes a clinical arena for professional and client well-being.

The Human Services Code of Ethics steps in when a human service professional can’t assist a client. The code is a guideline and points the helper in the right direction.

2. Describe how the human service professional’s responsibility to clients promotes well-being.

Human service professional’s responsibility to clients promotes well-being because they respect their patients and help them. The helper keeps their relationship strictly professional and all situations shared are kept confidential which builds trust between the two. Strengths are also noticed and are built on which promotes self esteem and well-being.

3. Describe how the human service professional’s responsibility to the community and society promotes well-being.

Human services professional’s responsibility to the community and society promotes well-being because they don’t discriminate against race, gender,disability, culture or sexual orientation, they offer services to anyone in need. They’re educated on the culture and communities that they practice in, they have their own beliefs but still show respect to others beliefs,values and religions. They are trained to work with culturally diverse populations.

4. Describe how the human service professional’s responsibility to colleagues promotes well-being for the client.

Human service professional’s responsibility to colleagues promotes well-being for the client because when there is a problem with another colleague it is kept professional and dealt with privately. All meetings between colleagues are kept confidential unless it would put a client in harms way by not sharing it or bringing it to a supervisors attention.

5. Describe how the human service professional’s responsibility to the profession promotes well-being for the client.

Human service professional’s responsibility to the profession promotes well-being for the client because they only offer services based on what they know, they only go as far as what they’re knowledge is based on. When stuck in a dilemma or even decision making they seek the assistance needed by supervisors. The helper also continues to further their knowledge so that they can offer more services to a bigger population.

6. Describe how the human service professional’s responsibility to employers promotes well-being for the client.

Human service professional’s responsibility to employers promotes well-being for the client because they participate in helping employment conditions flourish which equals to positive client service. When a problem comes about between a helper and a client, human service professional’s work with the both of them to put the problem to rest and manage the conflict at hand.

If it can’t be bought, now what?

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In the article, “How to buy happiness: what good is money if it can’t buy happiness” by Sonja Lyubomirsky they ask college freshmen about their most important life goal and more than half of the percentage checked off being wealthy. In the article she asks what does being wealthy do for our well-being? What does it do for us? Lyubomirsky spoke to a plastic surgeon who in the eyes of a average person would seem to have it all. He was wealthy, owned several luxurious items, a wife and had a stable job. He admitted to loving it at first but after a while it all got boring and dull. He had lost his motivation and his high paying job wasn’t all he had once thought it was cracked up to be. A lot believe that a persons paycheck has everything to do with their well being because of what it can provide for you but through this article they shine a different light on the topic asking you if you have the wealth, how do you buy happiness.

The article states that money does in fact supply our well being but to an extent. Our well being doesn’t revolve around money yet society believes that without it we are nothing. It helps but it is not everything. Money provides more of desired items than anything else. Possessions are only desired for a short period of time before it’s just another object lying around because after it being around for a long period of time it becomes uneventful. If an individual compares a material item with a past experience, the experience would be more important. The article states that past events can grow more meaning over time rather than becoming dull or repetitive like an object. When given an example about how two people can grow a bond, it makes you think more thoroughly about how relationships are made. Two people are more likely to build a relationship or friendship based on a common experience rather than wearing the same shirt. Another example they gave was how individuals like to compete and feel as if they are better or not beneath anyone. Possessions are more likely to be compared than memories.

The article also enlightens it’s audience with introducing a different way to trigger happiness. A lot of people believe that buy blowing huge amounts of money on luxurious things will make you happy when in fact spending money on just satisfying your basic needs is proven to cause happiness. Also spending money on people who are less fortunately and in more need than you can cause happiness. Little things such as not working as much and spending your time doing more things you love or with people you love makes you more content. Happiness doesn’t lie in success and money but how we spend our time.

This piece by Lyubomirsky reminded me of “How to buy happiness” by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton. In both articles they share insight on why they believe happiness isn’t all about money. As little as spending five dollars can make you happy. If people were to spend more time trying to enjoy themselves with people who make them feel happy they’d understand why money isn’t everything they believe it is. Money is essential in life but it isn’t everything. Happiness shouldn’t revolve around a dollar.

How much is happiness?

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In this day and age money is displayed and worshiped immensely. Many believe that with money you have everything. When in reality, what you make of your wealth is what you make of yourself.

In the article, “How to buy happiness” by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton, money, generosity and experiences are juggled to see which can have the ultimate outcome of happiness. They question what would one do if they were to wake up with one million dollars to their name. Due to research they share that when people have new found wealth the first thing they think about is themselves. Of course all sorts of material things such as clothes, shoes, bags, gadgets etc. come into people’s minds that they may not have been able to afford before. After thinking about all the nice luxurious things you can now obtain it’s hard to think that happiness doesn’t have to be expensive if it even costs anything at all. In the article they state, “studies by a generation of behavioral scientists show that material goods often fail to deliver lasting happiness.” In reality a lot of material things that are believed to bring happiness, don’t. One of the examples in the article is a family who moved because they didn’t like their old home. Years later when asked about their current state,they reported that they were living comfortably but their overall happiness hadn’t changed. Which further proves that happiness cannot be based on objects. Instead why not use the money in a way that someone else besides yourself can benefit? Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton believe that both sharing with others and experiences create happiness. An experiment is tried out on a campus when the question of, what would happen when you combine experiences and generosity. The students were given Starbucks gift cards, some were told to go buy something for themselves, another group was told to buy something for themselves and someone else and the last group was told to buy something for themselves and someone else but also had to hang out with the person at Starbucks. The people that were happiest were the people who bought something for someone else and shared the moment with them by just hanging out in Starbucks with them. Throughout this article it is shown that you shouldn’t wait around for an extra dollar to start living your life and enjoying yourself. Instead of missing out on events to be able to purchase a materialistic item later, live for the moment because it wouldn’t compare to the great memories you could be missing out on currently.

I believe happiness can’t be bought and agree with the points made in the article. A person can save to finally purchase a Chanel three thousand dollar purse and feel excited upon buying it but shortly after it’s just that – a purse. Compared to using that money to going on a vacation with family or close friends that would make life long memories. Material things are sometimes given too much importance because money brings out the selfish side of individuals. 

How happy are you? A census wants to know. Summary/Response. Mirna Ayala

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In the article, “How happy are you? A census want to know” a town named Somerville has taken the initiative to distribute surveys to its residents in order to learn about their general happiness in their hometown. Residents who decided to participate in the surveys were required to rate their happiness on a scale of 1-10 and answer various questions about their lives based on their surroundings and daily concerns. The surveys even asked personal questions regarding their personality and decision making skills. Several residents didnt mind the questioning and found it refreshing that their happiness was being taken into consideration by the government. In the article, a woman named Vanessa Lagerman states she appreciates the city’s efforts. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve noticed a lot of things the city has been doing, like installing bike lanes” said Vanessa. She agrees with the idea of the surveys and proceeds to say, “I think it’s a good thing, because policies can be changed to make people happier.” The reason behind this attempt is to create a generally content environment. The government wants to see if they have the power and ability to increase the happiness of the people by finding out what exactly they would like to see differently in their town. Throughout the article, different people give their outlook on the surveys and how they think it will affect them. Tara Acker states, “Is there a correlation between happiness and open space or green space? If we see low levels of satisfaction correlated to low levels of income, perhaps we want more programs aimed at low income people.” Basically, the surveys are designed to be the foundation of the government’s new projects. For instance, if a large percentage of the people are unhappy because their isn’t a playground around them for their children to play in, Somerville will begin construction on building a playground for them. What about the smaller percentage that doesn’t need a playground but needs a closer school so they won’t have to travel such far distances for an education? Not all expectations or wants can be met, however the government doesn’t all this to hinder their mission in making all of its citizens happy. 

In my opinion I don’t believe happiness can be measured nor promoted. People’s feelings change everyday, there is no way they can keep everyone happy all the time. The government shouldn’t be getting involved with how people feel. I believe it’s an invasion of privacy, the government already monitors and controls everything around us, now the way civilians feel is under surveillance too? If the government really wants to help it’s residents, there are many more services that can benefit them and ensure them long term happiness. Such services as, affordable housing, creating more jobs, improving the school system, putting an end to the school’s budget cuts etc. Those are the things that the government should be devoting their time to. Helping with these issues would contribute to long term happiness opposed to making little changes here and there. The problem with the officials making certain changes based on these surveys is that what may bring happiness to one might take it away from another. If they really want to help and make a difference for the people of Somerville they should make general changes that everyone can benefit from not just a percentage of the people.

Mirna Ayala

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photoHi everyone, my name is Mirna. I’m 18 and will be turning 19 on January 28. I was born and raised in the Bronx and still currently live there. My family is from the Dominican Republic and Puertorico. I have 3 older siblings which are two brothers and a sister. I enjoy reading because to me it’s like an escape, losing yourself in a good book can do wonders for stress. I also enjoy watching movies, shopping, being with family and sleeping.

It didn’t really feel like my first day of college because I took a remedial summer course so I already had a feel of what college was like. Although I hated the thought of going to school during the summer, I’m glad I did now because it didn’t make it so nerve wrecking to start today. I’m shy so it took some getting used to but it’s easier now that I know what it feels like and know what is expected of me. I know it won’t be a easy semester but i’m hoping to stay on track and make the most of this experience.

My career goal is to become a psychiatrist. I’ve always been a confidant for most of my family and friends and I enjoy listening to people, everyone deserves to have an ear to hear them out. I would like to help others in the way I have helped my loved ones simply by listening to their troubles and possibly giving them helpful feedback. I know the job itself wouldn’t be simple but knowing the difference it could make in an individuals life, is worth it.

My weakness in writing is not knowing how to introduce my topic. I stress out about how to engage my readers into my writing without giving away to much information too early. I hope that with time I can learn how to master this weakness and make it something simple. My strength is supporting my topic. Usually the more my writing unravels it’s easier for me to really go into depth with what ever my topic may be but I try not to ramble. What I enjoy about writing is being able to let your ideas out and onto paper where you can share with everyone else and can always keep so you won’t forget (when it comes to free-writing). What I dislike about writing is when you have to provide a lot of thoughts or information about one topic because eventually you begin to ramble and repeat yourself making it boring for you and your readers.

I believe happiness depends on the person therefore it can have a different meaning for different people. In my opinion happiness involves things that make you feel good and forget about the troubles you may be facing at the moment. My happiness is my family and friends. In this course I hope to learn what is the true meaning of happiness and if one definition can really apply to a variety of different peoples outlook on happiness.